Psalms 130:1-6

1 Lord, I am in great trouble, so I call out to you.

2 Lord, hear my voice; listen to my prayer for help.

3 Lord, if you punished people for all their sins, no one would be left, Lord.

4 But you forgive us, so you are respected.

5 I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust his word.

6 I wait for the Lord to help me more than night watchmen wait for the dawn, more than night watchmen wait for the dawn.

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.