Psalms 130:3-8

3 Yah, if you kept a record of sins, who, Adonai, could stand?

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

5 I wait longingly for ADONAI; I put my hope in his word.

6 Everything in me waits for Adonai more than guards on watch wait for morning, more than guards on watch wait for morning.

7 Isra'el, put your hope in ADONAI! For grace is found with ADONAI, and with him is unlimited redemption.

8 He will redeem Isra'el from all their wrongdoings.

Psalms 130:3-8 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.