Psalm 130
- Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
- Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
- If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
- But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
- I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
- My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
- Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
- And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 130 is a heartfelt cry for mercy and forgiveness, expressing the psalmist’s deep sense of desperation and longing for God’s intervention. The psalmist begins by acknowledging their cry to the Lord from the depths of their distress, beseeching Him to hear their supplications.
The psalmist reflects on the reality of human sinfulness, recognizing that if God were to mark iniquities, no one could stand before Him. However, the psalmist finds hope and comfort in the assurance of God’s forgiveness. This forgiveness, the psalmist declares, is what inspires reverence and fear of the Lord.
Amidst the waiting and longing for God’s mercy, the psalmist expresses unwavering hope in the Lord’s promises, anchoring their soul in His word. The imagery of waiting for the Lord is likened to the anticipation of the dawn, emphasizing the psalmist’s earnest longing for God’s intervention and salvation.
The psalm concludes with an exhortation for Israel to place their hope in the Lord, emphasizing His abundant mercy and redemption. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His willingness to forgive and redeem His people from all their sins.
Psalm 130 thus encourages believers to trust in God’s unfailing love and mercy, even in the midst of their deepest struggles and sorrows, and to place their hope and confidence in His saving power.