This psalm also is entitled “A Song of Degrees.” See the notes at Introduction to Psalms 120:1. The author and the occasion on which it was composed are unknown, as is also the reason why it was included in this group of psalms. The language of the psalm seems to be that of an individual; but most i... [ Continue Reading ]
OUT OF THE DEPTHS - The word rendered “depths” is from a verb - עמק _‛__âmaq_ - which means to be deep; then, to be unsearchable; then, to make deep; and it would apply to anything low, deep, or profound, as the ocean, a pit, or a valley. The word used here occurs elsewhere only in the following pl... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD, HEAR MY VOICE - This is the prayer; this is what he cried. It is the language of earnest pleading. LET THINE EARS BE ATTENTIVE TO THE VOICE OF MY SUPPLICATIONS - Do not turn away from me; do not disregard my cry. See the notes at Psalms 5:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THOU, LORD, SHOULDEST MARK INIQUITIES - If thou shouldst observe, note, attend to, regard all the evil that I have done. The Hebrew word means properly to keep, to watch, to guard. The word, as used here, refers to that kind of vigilance or watchfulness which one is expected to manifest who is on... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THERE IS FORGIVENESS WITH THEE - The Septuagint renders this ἱλασμός _hilasmos_, propitiation, reconciliation; the Latin Vulgate “propitiatio,” propitiation. The Hebrew word means “pardon.” The idea is, that sin may be forgiven; or, that God is a Being who does pardon sin, and that this is the... [ Continue Reading ]
I WAIT FOR THE LORD - That is, in this state of distress and trouble - from these “depths” of woe, and sorrow, and conviction of sin. This implies two things: (1) that he had no other dependence; (2) that his soul was actually in a waiting posture, or that he actually looked to the Lord for his in... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL WAITETH FOR THE LORD MORE THAN THEY THAT WATCH FOR THE MORNING - More intently; more anxiously. The Septuagint and Latin Vulgate render this, “My soul hopeth in the Lord from the morning watch until night.” The idea is that of watchers - night guards - who look anxiously for the break of day... [ Continue Reading ]
LET ISRAEL HOPE IN THE LORD - In such circumstances of affliction and distress, let not the people of God despair. In the darkest night, in calamities deep and prolonged, let not those who love God despair. The morning will dawn; the light will break in the east; deliverance and joy will come. The H... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HE SHALL REDEEM ISRAEL FROM ALL HIS INIQUITIES - His people. He will completely deliver them from the power and the pollution of sin. This will ultimately be accomplished in reference to his whole church, and to every true member of that church. This was the highest object before the mind of the... [ Continue Reading ]