Psalm 130:5-8

5 I ¹wait for the Lord, ²my soul waits, and ³in his word I hope;

6 my soul ⁴waits for the Lord more than ⁵watchmen for ⁶the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, ⁷hope in the Lord! For ⁸with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

8 And he will ⁹redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Psalm 130:5-8 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.

Cross References

• 1. 130:5 Ps. 40:1; Isa. 8:17; 26:8
• 2. 130:5 See Ps. 33:20
• 3. 130:5 Ps. 119:74, 81
• 4. 130:6 [Ps. 123:2]
• 5. 130:6 [Ps. 63:6; 119:147]
• 6. 130:6 See Ps. 5:3
• 7. 130:7 Ps. 131:3
• 8. 130:7 ver. 4
• 9. 130:8 Ps. 111:9; Luke 1:68; Titus 2:14; [Matt. 1:21]; See Ps. 25:22