Psalm 130

1 Out of the depths have I cried to thee, O Lord.

2 O Lord, hearken to my voice; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

3 If thou, O Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 For with thee is forgiveness: for thy name’s sake

5 have I waited for thee, O Lord, my soul has waited for thy word.

6 My soul has hoped in the Lord; from the morning watch till night.

7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Psalm 130 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.