Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 130

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

A cry from the depths comes from a place of deep distress (compare Psalm 69:2, 14; Isaiah 51:10; Ezekiel 27:34). Feeling weak, the psalmist prays for God's favor.

Beginning with himself as a representative of the community, the psalmist cries for God’s mercy (Psalm 130:1–3) out of deep distress. He places his hope in the Lord (Psalm 130:4–6), trusting that the Lord will rescue in his own time and way. With this confidence, the psalmist invites Israel to wait for the Lord (Psalm 130:7–8).

The psalmist knows that his sins make him guilty and deserving of God’s judgment.

The good news comes in God’s readiness to forgive sinners. His grace encourages people to fear him and hope in him.

God's word gives hope (Psalms 119:42–43, 49; 147:11).

Israel is encouraged to hope in the Lord (Psalms 9:18; 27:14; 131:3) because the Lord pays the high price for redemption and removes the sin that separates humans from him (see also Psalm 111:9; Exodus 6:6–8; 2 Samuel 7:23–24; Isaiah 43:1–4; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18).