Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 102:25
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.
Of old – See this passage fully explained in the notes at Heb 1:10-12. In the beginning; at the first. The phrase used here means literally to the face; then, before in the order of time. It means here, long ago; of olden time; at the beginning. The meaning is, that the years of God had stretched through all the generations of people, and all the changes which had occurred upon the earth; that at the very beginning he existed, and that he would continue to exist to the very close, unchangeably the same.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. Of old hast thou laid the foundation] None taught of God ever imagined the world to have been eternal. Of old, lephanim, before there were any faces or appearances, thou didst lay the foundations of the earth. It was created by thee; it did not grow by accretion or aggregation from a pre-existent nucleus. There was nothing; and thou didst produce being – substance or matter. Out of that created matter thou didst make the earth and the heavens.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The eternity of God looks both backward and forward, it is both without beginning and without end. The former is affirmed and illustrated Psa 102:24,26,27, the latter is clearly implied in this verse. Thou hadst a being before the creation of the world, when there was nothing but eternity, but the earth and heavens had a beginning given them by thy almighty power.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth,…. The lower part of the creation, the Lord’s footstool, called the earth beneath: this has its foundation; though what it is cannot be well said, it cannot be searched out; it is sometimes said to be founded upon the waters, and yet so as not to be removed for ever,
Jer 31:37, this shows the wisdom of God, as a wise master builder, and the stability of the earth; and is a proof of the deity of Christ, to whom these words belong: this is said to be done “of old”, or “at” or “in the beginning”, as Jarchi and the Targum; and so in Heb 1:10, where they are applied to the Messiah, the Son of God; and this, as it proves the eternity of Christ, who must be in the beginning, and before all things, so it confutes the notion of the eternity of the earth, received by some philosophers: besides, the words may be rendered, “before” g “thou foundest the earth”; and so refers to the preceding, “thy years”, c. were before the earth was that is, from eternity, and so fully express the eternal existence of Christ:
and the heavens are the work of thy hands; these are the airy and starry heavens, and the heaven of heavens; which are creatures, and not to be worshipped, made by Christ himself, and are expressive of his power, wisdom, and glory.
g “antea”, Pagninus, Montanus, Gejerus.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
25 Thou hast aforetime founded the earth Here the sacred writer amplifies what he had previously stated, declaring, that compared with God the whole world is a form which quickly vanishes away; and yet a little after he represents the Church as exempted from this the common lot of all sublunary things, because she has for her foundation the word of God, while her safety is secured by the same word. Two subjects are therefore here brought under our consideration. The first is, that since the heavens themselves are in the sight of God almost as evanescent as smoke, the frailty of the whole human race is such as may well excite his compassion; and the second is, that although there is no stability in the heavens and the earth, yet the Church shall continue steadfast for ever, because she is upheld by the eternal truth of God. By the first of these positions, true believers are taught to consider with all humility, when they come into the divine presence, how frail and transitory their condition is, that they may bring nothing with them but their own emptiness. Such self-abasement is the first step to our obtaining favor in the sight of God, even as He also affirms that he is moved by the sight of our miseries to be merciful to us. The comparison taken from the heavens is a very happy illustration; for how long have they continued to exist, when contrasted with the brief span of human life, which passes or rather flies away so swiftly? How many generations of men have passed away since the creation, while the heavens still continue as they were amidst this continual fluctuation? Again, so beautiful is their arrangement, and so excellent their frame-work, that the whole fabric proclaims itself to be the product of God’s hands (161) And yet neither the long period during which the heavens have existed, nor their fair embellishment, will exempt them from perishing. What then shall become of us poor mortals, who die when we are as yet scarcely born? for there is no part of our life which does not rapidly hasten to death.
Interpreters, however, do not all explain these words, The heavens shall perish, in the same way. Some understand them as expressing simply the change they shall undergo, which will be a species of destruction; for although they are not to be reduced to nothing, yet this change of their nature, as it may be termed, will destroy what is mortal and corruptible in them, so that they shall become, in a manner, different and new heavens. Others explain the words conditionally, and make the supplement, “If it so please God,” regarding it as a thing absurd to say that the heavens are subject to corruption. But first, there is no necessity for introducing these supplementary words, which obscure the sense instead of making it plainer. In the next place, these expositors improperly attribute an immortal state to the heavens, of which Paul declares that they “groan and travail in pain,” like the earth and the other creatures, until the day of redemption, (Rom 8:22) because they are subject to corruption; not indeed willingly, or in their own nature, but because man, by precipitating himself headlong into destruction, has drawn the whole world into a participation of the same ruin. Two things are to be here attended to; first, that the heavens are actually subject to corruption in consequence of the fall of man; and, secondly, that they shall be so renewed as to warrant the prophet to say that they shall perish; for this renovation will be so complete that they shall not be the same but other heavens. The amount is, that to whatever quarter we turn our eyes, we will see everywhere nothing but ground for despair till we come to God. What is there in us but rottenness and corruption? and what else are we but a mirror of death? Again, what are the changes which the whole world undergoes but a kind of presage, yea a prelude of destruction? If the whole frame-work of the world is hastening to its end, what will become of the human race? If all nations are doomed to perish, what stability will there be in men individually considered? We ought therefore to seek stability no where else but in God.
(161) “The phrase is borrowed from the fact, that hands are the instruments by which men usually perform any operation; and this is, like other human operations and affections, figuratively transferred to God.” — Stuart on Heb 1:10.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(25) Comp. Isa. 44:24; Isa. 48:13.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
25. Of old hast thou laid the foundations of the earth What is here affirmed of God, is, in the New Testament, quoted and affirmed of Christ.
Heb 1:10. This is repeatedly done. Compare Jer 17:10; Rev 2:23. We are thus taught the personality and unity of the Father and the Son: “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.” Joh 5:23. “For what things soever the Father doeth, these also doeth the son likewise.” Joh 5:19
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Psa 102:25. Of old hast thou laid the foundation, &c. See Isa 51:6 where the prophet tells us, that the heaven and earth shall wax old like a garment; but the Psalmist here goes one step further than the prophet; and not only acquaints us that the heavens and the earth shall wax old as a garment, but, like a worn-out garment, shall be changed for newWhat, but the new heavens and the new earth, mentioned by St. Peter in the New Testament, and said to be the expectation of believers, according to God’s promise?See 2Pe 3:13 and Peters on Job, p. 413.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 671
THE ETERNITY AND IMMUTABILITY OF CHRIST
Psa 102:25-28. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thy hands: they shall perish, but thou shalt endure; yea, all of them shall max old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
AMONGST all the Psalms, there is none more full of mourning and lamentation than this: but whether the Psalmist speaks in his own person, or in the person of the Church which was in the most desolate condition, is not certain. But though written at the return of the Jews from the Babylonish Captivity, and referring primarily to the restoration of the Jewish Church and polity, it evidently has respect to the Messiah and the establishment of his Church on the face of the whole earth: since it is said, that the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth his glory [Note: ver. 15.]. Indeed the words of our text are expressly applied to Christ in the Epistle to the Hebrews, and are adduced to shew the infinite superiority of Christ above all the hosts of heaven [Note: Heb 1:10-12.]. With this infallible guide to direct us, we proceed to point out,
I.
The perfections of Christ
The description here given of our Lord Jesus Christ proves beyond all doubt his proper Deity. Observe,
1.
His eternity
[He it was who made the universe: the highest angels derived their existence from his all-creating hand [Note: Col 1:16.]. All things were created, not only by him, but for him [Note: Col 1:17.]: which could not be, if he himself were a creature. Suppose him ever so high above all other creatures, if he himself was a creature, he could not have created all things, seeing he himself must have been created by another. But he was the eternal God: he was with God, and was God: and without him was not any thing made that was made [Note: Joh 1:1-3.]. Yes, that adorable Saviour, who at the appointed season assumed our flesh at Bethlehem, was the eternal God; his goings forth were of old, from everlasting [Note: Mic 5:2. The same truth is generally supposed to be declared in Pro 8:22-31.].]
1.
His immutability
[The material creation is formed only as a theatre for the display of the Creators glory: and, when it shall have answered its destined end, it will be destroyed by fire [Note: 2Pe 3:10; 2Pe 3:12.]: the Creator will dissolve it with as much ease as a man folds up a garment for which he has no farther use. But the Lord Jesus Christ will exist for ever. As he is the eternal, so is he the immutable Jehovah: He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever [Note: Heb 13:8.].]
Not to dwell on a point which requires neither confirmation nor discussion: we proceed to mark more distinctly,
II.
The aspect of those perfections on the welfare of the Church
In the verso before the text, the Psalmist may be speaking personally of himself, just as Hezekiah did when apprehensive of speedy dissolution [Note: Isa 38:10-14]: but in the close of the psalm he indisputably speaks of the Church, and, represents as depending upon Christ,
1.
The stability of the Church at large
[The seed here mentioned are the Church of God, the company of the faithful in every age [Note: Psa 69:36.]. It might be supposed that these, surrounded us they are by enemies on every side, must be utterly destroyed: and, in fact, the Church has at times been reduced so low, as scarcely to have, except in name, any existence upon earth. But our Lord has founded it upon a rock; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Other things, however stable in appearance, shall vanish away: but this shall stand for ever and ever [Note: Isa 51:6.]. The different individuals are successively removed by death: but children shall be born to God through the instrumentality of his Gospel, and the Church continue to the end of time.]
2.
The final salvation of every true Believer
[It is a miracle, considering what difficulties the Believer has to encounter, and how unable he is of himself to do even the least thing that is good, that any one should finally attain the promised inheritance. But Jesus lives, and therefore all who trust in him shall live also. In his word he is as immutable as in his essence: and of that word not one jot or tittle shall ever fail. Never will he leave them; never, never will he forsake them. He is able to keep them from falling; and, Of those whom the Father has given him will he lose none.]
Improvement
Is there amongst you any tempted soul?
[Methinks some may be in the state of the Psalmist, eating ashes like bread, and mingling their drink with tears But let not any one be so bowed down with afflictions, as to say, There is no hope. Whilst your Redeemer lives, you have a sure refuge: and, whatever trials you may have to sustain, his grace shall be sufficient for you ]
To those who are maintaining their steadfastness in the Gospel
[We would say, Remember to whom you are indebted for your stability: He that hath wrought you to this self-same thing; is God. O think, what had been your state times without number, if your Almighty Saviour had not interposed to rescue you from the jaws of that roaring lion that seeketh to devour you and let all your confidence be in him alone ]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
From the apostle Paul’s quotation of this glorious passage, Heb 1:10 , etc. and his illustration of it, as there explained, it should seem very evident that these verses contain God the Father’s answer to Christ’s prayer, and form a blessed summary of all redemption mercies ensured to the church in Him. And therefore the church may, with full assurance of faith, take to herself, and every individual of the church, with equal right in Christ, the whole blessings of covenant promises in redemption: for as Christ is, so is his church in him. His love the same, his grace the same, his redemption the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 102:25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.
Ver. 25. Of old thou hast laid the foundation, &c. ] Here is a clear proof of Christ’s eternity, Heb 1:10 , because he was before the creation of the world, and shall continue after the consummation thereof, Psa 102:26-27 . So the saints a parte post. 1Jn 2:17 , “The world passeth away, and the lusts thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Of old, &c. Quoted in Heb 1:10-12, which shows this Psalm is all prophetic of Messiah.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Gen 1:1, Gen 2:1, Exo 20:11, Job 38:4-7, Pro 8:23-36, Jer 32:17, Heb 1:10-12, Heb 3:3, Heb 3:4
Reciprocal: 1Sa 2:8 – the pillars 2Ki 19:15 – thou hast made 1Ch 16:26 – the Lord Job 14:18 – the mountain Psa 68:33 – of old Psa 78:69 – earth Pro 8:25 – General Isa 34:4 – all the Isa 40:12 – measured Isa 40:22 – stretcheth Isa 40:26 – who hath Isa 42:5 – he that created Isa 45:12 – made the earth Isa 48:13 – hand Isa 51:13 – that hath Jer 27:5 – made Lam 5:19 – remainest Dan 7:9 – the Ancient Mic 5:2 – whose Zec 12:1 – which Mar 13:31 – Heaven Luk 16:17 – it Joh 1:3 – General 2Co 8:9 – though Col 1:16 – by him were Rev 1:4 – him
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 102:25. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth The eternity of God looks both backward and forward: it is both without beginning and without end. The latter is affirmed and illustrated Psa 102:24; Psa 102:26-27, the former is implied in this verse. Thou hadst a being before the creation of the world, when there was nothing but eternity, but the earth and heaven had a beginning given them by thy almighty power.