Read Psalms 130 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 130 is a cry from the depths, where the psalmist calls on the LORD for mercy because sin and guilt are real and cannot be ignored. It confesses that if God marked iniquities, no one could stand, yet it clings to the truth that forgiveness is with the LORD so that He may be feared with reverent awe. The psalm then shifts from desperation to watchful hope: the speaker waits for the LORD more than watchmen wait for the morning, trusting God’s word above feelings. Finally, it calls Israel to hope in the LORD because His mercy is abundant and His redemption reaches to “all” iniquities. The chapter’s aim is to lead sinners from despair into humble repentance and steady confidence in God’s forgiving covenant love.
Psalms 130:1 - 130:8
1 A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4 But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6 My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: [I say], [more than] they that watch for the morning.
7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.