Psalms 130:1-7

1 Out of the deep have I sent up my cry to you, O Lord.

2 Lord, let my voice come before you: let your ears be awake to the voice of my prayer.

3 O Jah, if you took note of every sin, who would go free?

4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be feared.

5 I am waiting for the Lord, my soul is waiting for him, and my hope is in his word.

6 My soul is watching for the Lord more than those who are watching for the morning; yes, more than the watchers for the morning.

7 O Israel, have hope in the Lord; for with the Lord is mercy and full salvation.

Psalms 130:1-7 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.