World English Bible

Psalm 130

Psalm 130 begins with a cry from the depths and quickly faces the problem of guilt: if God kept a strict record, no one could stand. Forgiveness creates reverence rather than indifference. The speaker then waits for the Lord with the alert longing of watchmen for morning and invites all Israel to hope. The psalm's movement is spare and clear, progressing from personal distress and confession toward communal confidence in steadfast love and abundant redemption.

1<<A Song of Ascents.>> Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh.

2Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions.

3If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

4But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.

5I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in his word.

6My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning; more than watchmen for the morning.

7Israel, hope in Yahweh, for with Yahweh there is loving kindness. With him is abundant redemption.

8He will redeem Israel from all their sins.

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Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).