Psalms 130:1-6

Hope for the Redemption of Yahweh

A song of ascents.

1 Out of [the] depths I call to you, O Yahweh.

2 "O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If you, O Yah, should {keep track of} iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you [is] forgiveness, so that you may be feared."

5 I await Yahweh; my soul awaits, and I wait for his word.

6 My soul [waits] for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning. Yes, [more than] watchmen for the morning.

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Psalms 130:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 130

\\<>\\. This psalm is by some thought to have been written by David either when persecuted by Saul, and in great distress, and fearful he should perish by him; or else when in great distress of mind because of sin, after the affair of Bathsheba; and it is reckoned therefore among the penitential psalms. Though others think it was written by Ezra, or some other godly person in the captivity; and Aben Ezra and R. Obadiah interpret it of Israel in captivity. The Syriac inscription is, ``one of the psalms of ascension: it is said concerning Nehemiah the priest (or rather the prince or governor, since Nehemiah was no priest); and it intimates in it the prayer of the martyrs.'' It may be applied to any person in distress, outward or inward; applying to God for help and deliverance, for pardoning grace and mercy; encouraging himself and others to hope for it.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Footnotes 4

[a]. The Hebrew Bible counts the superscription as the first verse of the psalm
[b]. A shortened form of "Yahweh"
[c]. Literally "keep"
[d]. Or "hope," here and v. 7, though the Hebrew uses a different verbal stem in v. 7