John Calvin Commentary Psalms 102:22

"When the peoples are gathered together, And the kingdoms, to serve Jehovah." — Psalms 102:22 (ASV)

The sun shall rise. The Psalmist continues to pursue the same subject, showing that God so distributes the sequences of time that the day properly belongs to man. If God did not restrain so many wild beasts that are hostile to us, the human race would soon become extinct.

As wild beasts, since the fall of man, may seem to be born to harm us and to rend and tear in pieces all they encounter, this savage cruelty must be kept in check by God's providence. And to keep them confined to their dens, the only means He employs is to inspire them with terror, simply by the light of the sun.

The prophet commends this instance of divine goodness all the more because of its necessity; for if it were otherwise, men would have no freedom to go out and engage in the labors and business of life. Man, being thus protected by the light against the violence and injuries of wild beasts, in this is to be seen the unparalleled goodness of God, who in such a fatherly manner has provided for his convenience and welfare.