Psalm 130:1 NKJV,NLT

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 130:1

(1) Out of the depths.—A recurrent image for overwhelming distress (Psalms 18:16; Psalms 88:7; also Psalms 69:2, where the same Hebrew word occurs). It is used literally in Isaiah 51:10 for the sea. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 130:1-8

The Sorrows of the Night Psalms 130:6 Few have gone far along life's way without understanding what it is to watch for the morning. The invalid, helpless, sleepless, every nerve strained, with a great weight of confused woe heavy on his breast, welcomes the chill light, though it brings but little respite though he can only say, 'Risest thou thus, dim dawn, again?' Even in full strength, when we lie awake at night, there may come to us all the cruel possibilities of the future, as well as the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 130:1-8

Psalms 130:1-8IN a very emphatic sense this is a song of ascents, for it climbs steadily from the abyss of penitence to the summits of hope. It falls into two divisions of four verses each, of which the former breathes the prayer of a soul penetrated by the consciousness of sin, and the latter the peaceful expectance of one that has tasted God’s forgiving mercy. These two parts are again divided into two groups of two verses, so that there are four stages in the psalmist’s progress from the... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 130:1-8

Psalm 120-134 The Psalms of Degrees Fifteen brief Psalms follow, called songs of degrees, or, ascents. They were in all probability used by Israel going up to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the feasts of the Lord--”Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, a testimony for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.” They are indeed Psalms of “the goings-up” for we rise higher and higher as we read through them. Prophetically they give us again the steps from trial and... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 130:1

130:1 [A Song of degrees.] Out of the {a} depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.(a) Being in great distress and sorrow. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 130:1-8

This group is differentiated by the title attached to each: “A Song of Degrees” or “A Song of Ascents.” The title seems derived from the going up of the people to Jerusalem at the great festivals which came three times a year. (Compare Deuteronomy 16:16 ; 1 Kings 12:27-28 , etc.); the thought being that they chanted the psalms at different stages in their journey. The pertinency of this application of these psalms is more apparent in some than others. For example, Psalms 121:0 represents the... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 130:1

CONTENTS This most precious psalm contains the deep breathings of the soul under a sense of sin; the holy triumphs of the soul in the view of the propitiary, the redemption by Jesus: and the earnest recommendation of a soul that, having found mercy himself, holds forth encouragement to others. A Song of Degrees. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 130:1-2

Deep calleth unto deep, saith one of old. And when a poor brokenhearted sinner, from, the depths of sin, crieth to the depths of divine mercy, sweet is that frame of soul, and sure to be beard. For it is God the Holy Ghost Which convinceth of sin. It is the same almighty Teacher who puts the cry in the heart to seek for mercy. And he that thus leads to the way, leads to the end; and both point to Christ, and bring to Christ, with an assurance of salvation. Numerous are the examples of this kind... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 130:1

Of David, is not in Septuagint. But he probably composed this psalm to exculpate himself from the accusation of pride. (Berthier) --- It may agree with Esther, Nehemias, &c., 2 Esdras v. 15. (Calmet) --- David proposes his own humility to the imitation of others, without any evil intention. (Worthington) --- Sometimes the saints may speak their own praises, as St. Paul, did, particularly when they are inspired. (Berthier) --- Above me. This deportment is admirable in the great. (Calmet)... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 130:1-4

1-4 The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are sensible of the guilt of sin, and quit all to come at once to God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief. The Holy Ghost gives to such poor souls a fresh sense of their deep necessity, to stir them up in earnest applications, by the prayer of faith, by... read more