Psalms 130:2-8

2 LORD, hear my voice! Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.

6 My soul waiteth for the LORD more than they that watch for the morning-- I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

7 Let Israel hope in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.

8 And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Psalms 130:2-8 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.