Psalms 130:1-6

1 Out of the depths I cry unto thee, O LORD.

2 Lord, hear my voice; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If thou, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall endure?

4 Therefore there is forgiveness close to thee, that thou may be feared.

5 I have waited for the LORD, my soul has waited, and for his word I have waited.

6 My soul has waited for the Lord more than those that watch for the morning: I say, more than those that watch for the morning.

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.