Bible Commentaries

PSALM 130

THE ARGUMENT

This Psalm was composed by the prophet when he was conflicting with horrors of his conscience for the guilt of his sins, and imploring God’s mercy and pardon.

The psalmist being troubled for and acknowledging his sins, professeth his hope in God, Psalms 130:1-6, and exhorteth Israel to hope also in him, Psalms 130:7,8.

Being overwhelmed with deep distresses and terrors, and ready to despair.

Mark iniquities; observe them accurately, and punish them severely, as they deserve. Who shall stand in thy presence, or at thy tribunal? No man can acquit himself, or escape the sentence of condemnation, because all men are sinners, Ecclesiastes 7:20 James 3:2. To stand is a judicial phrase, and notes a man’s being absolved or justified, upon an equal trial, as Psalms 1:5 Romans 14:4, where it is opposed to falling.

There is forgiveness with thee; thou art able and ready to forgive repenting sinners.

That thou mayest be feared; not with a slavish, but with a child-like fear and reverence. This grace and mercy of thine is the foundation of all religion and worship of thee in the world, without which men would desperately proceed on in their impious courses without any thought of repentance.

I wait for the Lord, that he would manifest his favour to me in the pardon of my sins.

In his word; wherein he hath declared his merciful nature, Exodus 34:6,7, and his gracious purpose and promises for the pardoning of sinners.

Whether soldiers that keep the night watches in an army or city, or the priests or Levites who did so in the temple; who being wearied with hard service and want of convenient rest, diligently look for and fervently desire the morning, when they may be discharged. Compare Psalms 119:148.

Let Israel; every true Israelite, by the encouragement of mine example.

Plenteous redemption; abundantly sufficient for all persons who shall accept it upon God’s terms, and for the remission of all sins; and therefore here is good ground of hope for all contrite and returning sinners.

He shall redeem; the Lord, either God the Father by his Son, or God the Son by his own blood.

Israel; all true Israelites, whether of the carnal or spiritual seed.

From all his iniquities; from the guilt and punishment of all their sins.