Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 130

Read Psalms 130

Verses 1-8

PSALM 130

Ps 130:1-8. The penitent sinner's hope is in God's mercy only.

1, 2. depths—for great distress (Ps 40:2; 69:3).

Verses 2-3

3. shouldest mark—or, "take strict account" (Job 10:14; 14:16), implying a confession of the existence of sin.

who shall stand—(Ps 1:6). Standing is opposed to the guilty sinking down in fear and self-condemnation (Mal 3:2; Re 6:15, 16). The question implies a negative, which is thus more strongly stated.

Verses 4

4. Pardon produces filial fear and love. Judgment without the hope of pardon creates fear and dislike. The sense of forgiveness, so far from producing licentiousness, produces holiness (Jer 33:9; Eze 16:62, 63; 1Pe 2:16). "There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed upon, but feared."

Verses 5

5, 6. wait for the Lord—in expectation (Ps 27:14).

watch for, &c.—in earnestness and anxiety.

Verses 6-7

7, 8. Let Israel, &c.—that is, All are invited to seek and share divine forgiveness.

from all his iniquities—or, "punishments of them" (Ps 40:12, &c.).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.