Psalms 130

Psalm 130#sn Psalm 130. The psalmist, confident of the Lord’s forgiveness, cries out to the Lord for help in the midst of his suffering and urges Israel to do the same.

A song of ascents.#sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

1From the deep water I cry out to you, O Lord.

2O Lord, listen to me! Pay attention to my plea for mercy!

3If you, O Lord, were to keep track of sins, O Lord, who could stand before you?

4But you are willing to forgive, so that you might be honored.

5I rely on the Lord, I rely on him with my whole being; I wait for his assuring word.

6I yearn for the Lord, more than watchmen do for the morning, yes, more than watchmen do for the morning.

7O Israel, hope in the Lord, for the Lord exhibits loyal love, and is more than willing to deliver.

8He will deliver Israel from all the consequences of their sins.