Psalms 130 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.120.1-134.3
These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.
Ps.130.1-8
Beginning with himself as a representative of the community, the psalmist cries for God’s mercy (130:1-3) out of deep distress. He places his hope in the Lord (130:4-6), knowing that the Lord will rescue when and as he chooses. Based on this confidence, the psalmist invites Israel to wait for the Lord (130:7-8).
Ps.130.1-3
A cry from the depths is from a place of deep distress (cp. 69:2, 14; Isa 51:10; Ezek 27:34). Out of the frailty of his being, the psalmist prays for divine favor.
Ps.130.3
The psalmist knows that his sins make him guilty and deserving of God’s judgment.
Ps.130.4-6
The good news comes in God’s readiness to forgive sinners. His grace encourages people to fear him and hope in him.
Ps.130.5
God’s word imparts hope (119:42-43, 49; 147:11).
Ps.130.7-8
Israel is invited to hope in the Lord (9:18; 27:14; 131:3) because the Lord pays the costly price for redemption and covers whatever sin separates humans from him (see also 111:9; Exod 6:6-8; 2 Sam 7:23-24; Isa 43:1-4; Titus 2:14; Heb 9:12; 1 Pet 1:18).