Psalms130
English Standard Version
1A of . of the I to you, O Lord!
2O , my ! Let your be to the of my !
3 you, O Lord, should , O , could ?
4 you there is , you may be .
5I for the Lord, my , and in his I ;
6my waits for the more for the , more than for the .
7O , in the Lord! the Lord there is , and him is .
8And he will his .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 130.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The psalmist's hope in prayer. (1–4). His patience in hope. (5–8).
vv1-4
The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are sensible of the guilt of sin, and quit all to come at once to God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief. The Holy Ghost gives to such poor souls a fresh sense of their deep necessity, to stir them up in earnest applications, by the prayer of faith, by crying to God. And as they love their souls, as they are concerned for the glory of the Lord, they are not to be wanting in this duty. Why is it that these matters are so long uncertain with them? Is it not from sloth and despondency that they content themselves with common and customary applications to God? Then let us up and be doing; it must be done, and it is attended with safety. We are to humble ourselves before God, as guilty in his sight. Let us acknowledge our sinfulness; we cannot justify ourselves, or plead not guilty. It is our unspeakable comfort that there is forgiveness with him, for that is what we need. Jesus Christ is the great Ransom; he is ever an Advocate for us, and through him we hope to obtain forgiveness. There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed upon, but that thou mayest be feared. The fear of God often is put for the whole worship of God. The only motive and encouragement for sinners is this, that there is forgiveness with the Lord.
vv5-8
It is for the Lord that my soul waits, for the gifts of his grace, and the working of his power. We must hope for that only which he has promised in his word. Like those who wish to see the dawn, being very desirous that light would come long before day; but still more earnestly does a good man long for the tokens of God's favour, and the visits of his grace. Let all that devote themselves to the Lord, cheerfully stay themselves on him. This redemption is redemption from all sin. Jesus Christ saves his people from their sins, both from the condemning and from the commanding power of sin. It is plenteous redemption; there is an all-sufficient fulness in the Redeemer, enough for all, enough for each; therefore enough for me, says the believer. Redemption from sin includes redemption from all other evils, therefore it is a plenteous redemption, through the atoning blood of Jesus, who shall redeem his people from all their sins. All that wait on God for mercy and grace, are sure to have peace.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
מִן: properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
מַעֲמָק: a deep
קָרָא: to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֲדֹנָי: the Lord (used as a proper name of God only)
שָׁמַע: to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
קוֹל: a voice or sound
אֹזֶן: broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
קַשָּׁב: hearkening
Cross References
Psalms 130Christ redeems and purifies his people from all iniquity, fulfilling the promise of verse 8.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Jesus saves his people from their sins, fulfilling redemption from all iniquities.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Asserts that no man on earth is righteous and does not sin; none can stand.
Supported by Matthew Poole
God's forgiveness and goodness cause people to fear and tremble in reverent awe.
Supported by JFB
Crying out of the 'horrible pit' and 'miry clay' matches 'out of the depths'.
Supported by JFB
Solomon prays for God's forgiveness 'that they may fear thee all the days'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
God's self-revelation of mercy and forgiveness, which is the 'word' wherein the Psalmist hopes.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Calling on the name of the Lord out of the low dungeon, matching the deeps.
Supported by John Calvin
Contrasts the standing of the righteous with the ungodly who shall not stand in judgment.
Supported by JFB
Job describes God marking his sin and not acquitting him, highlighting the dread of verse 3.
Supported by JFB
Humble acknowledgment that in God's sight no man living can be justified or stand.
Supported by John Calvin
An exhortation to wait on the Lord with courage, parallel to waiting for his word.
Supported by JFB
Preventing the dawning of the morning in eager waiting and hope in God's word.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Direct parallel exhorting Israel to hope in the Lord from henceforth and forever.
Supported by Matthew Poole