Psalm 130:1-6

A song of ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;

2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Psalm 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.

Cross References

• 1. S Job 30:19; Psalms 42:7; Psalms 69:2; Lamentations 3:55
• 2. Psalms 22:2; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 142:5
• 3. S Psalms 27:7; Psalms 28:2
• 4. S 2 Chronicles 6:40; Psalms 64:1
• 5. S Psalms 28:6; Psalms 31:22; Psalms 86:6; Psalms 140:6
• 6. S 1 Samuel 6:20; S Ezra 9:15; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 143:2; Nahum 1:6; Revelation 6:17
• 7. S Exodus 34:7; S 2 Samuel 24:14; S Jeremiah 31:34; Isaiah 55:7; Jeremiah 33:8
• 8. S 1 Kings 8:40
• 9. S Psalms 27:14; Psalms 33:20; Isaiah 8:17; Isaiah 26:8; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 49:23
• 10. S Psalms 5:3
• 11. S Psalms 119:74; Psalms 119:81
• 12. Psalms 63:6
• 13. S 2 Samuel 23:4; Psalms 119:147