When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

PSALMS 102:22KJV
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Psalms 102:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 102:22 mean?

Psalms 102:22 describes a future time when people and kingdoms from all over will come together to serve the LORD. The verse pictures a united gathering, not just of Israel, but of many nations, all turning their attention to worship and service of God.

The psalm is written by someone in deep distress, praying for God’s help and restoration. This verse looks ahead with hope, imagining a day when God’s greatness will draw not only the people of Israel but also other nations (“kingdoms”) to gather in worship. It highlights a vision of unity and reverence for God that goes beyond one group or nation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 102:22

  • people (עָם, ʿam): This word often refers to a group with shared identity, usually Israel, but here it is paired with “kingdoms,” suggesting a broader inclusion of all peoples.
  • gathered (קָבַץ, qavats): This verb means to collect or assemble, emphasizing a deliberate coming together rather than a random crowd.
  • together (יַחַד, yachad): This word stresses unity, showing that the gathering is not just physical but also united in purpose.
  • kingdoms (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakhah): This term refers to nations or political entities, pointing to a global scope beyond just Israel.
  • serve (עָבַד, avad): This verb means to work for or worship, and in this context, it carries the sense of honoring and submitting to God’s authority.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that the service and worship are directed specifically to Israel’s God.

Why Psalms 102:22 matters

  • Psalms 102:22 shows that the psalmist’s hope is not only for personal or national restoration but for a time when all nations will recognize and serve God together.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Psalms 102, which moves from personal lament to a vision of God’s universal reign and faithfulness.
  • This verse helps clarify that the Old Testament sometimes looks forward to a future where God’s relationship with humanity is not limited by national or ethnic boundaries.

Where else these words appear

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

“gathered” Hebrew H6908 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
  • Jeremiah 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

“together” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
  • Job 24:4 They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
  • Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.