Psalm 130 Study Notes

Ps 130 title On ascents, see note at Ps 120 title.

130:1-2 The most effective prayers are made out of the depths of despair and dependence. See 1Sm 1:16.

130:3-4 To keep an account of iniquities is literally to “watch over” or “guard” them (Hb shamar). All would be lost if God made no provision to let sins go. The penitent person relies on the mercy and compassion of the Lord to forgive (103:3); otherwise, the Lord would not acknowledge his worship (Ezr 9:15). Revered brings out the dual connotation of “fear” and “worship,” depicting God’s mercy in forgiveness and his judgment of unrighteousness.

130:5-6 Hope in adversity anticipates God’s response on the basis of his word (119:42, 49, 74, 81).

130:7-8 While Israel’s hope of forgiveness is generated by the Lord’s faithful love (Hb chesed), her redemption (Hb padah, “deliverance from an obligation through a payment”) depicts the visible result of that forgiveness (Neh 1:10; Is 50:2).