Psalms 130:1-7

1 O LORD, out of the depths I call to you.

2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be open to my pleas for mercy.

3 O LORD, who would be able to stand if you kept a record of sins?

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

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and with hope I wait for his word.

6 My soul waits for the LORD more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, because with the LORD there is mercy and with him there is unlimited forgiveness.

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.