A song of ascents.

Psalms 120-134 are called “the psalms of ascents.” A better name would be “the songs of the pilgrim caravans.” These pilgrimage songs were sung when Israel traveled upwards to Jerusalem (usually in caravans) during the Jewish feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Four of these songs were attributed to David. Solomon wrote one of these songs. The other ten songs are anonymous. The author of Psalm 130 is unknown.

130:1 From the deep water I cry out to you, O Lord. 

The psalmist was drowning in deep water, so he cried out to Jehovah.

130:2 O Lord, listen to me! Pay attention to my plea for mercy!

The psalmist cried out for mercy.

130:3 If you, O Lord, were to keep track of sins, O Lord, who could stand before you? 

If God kept track of man’s sins, then no one would be saved.

130:4 But you are willing to forgive, so that you might be honored. 

God forgives sins, so that He can be honored. He is a God of compassion and justice. 

130:5 I rely on the Lord, I rely on him with my whole being; I wait for his assuring word. 

The psalmist relies on the Lord with all of His intellect. He waits for an assuring Word for the Lord before making a move.

130:6 I yearn for the Lord, more than watchmen do for the morning, yes, more than watchmen do for the morning. 

The watchman waits in the darkness for morning so that his duty can end and he can get some peace and rest. The psalmist waits in the darkness on the Lord so that he can get some peace and rest.

130:7 O Israel, hope in the Lord, for the Lord exhibits loyal love, and is more than willing to deliver. 

Israel’s hope is not in wealth or armies. Their only hope of Israel is in the Lord. The Lord loves Israel. He is powerful enough to deliver Israel from her enemies.

130:8 He will deliver Israel from all the consequences of their sins. 

Jehovah is also powerful enough to deliver Israel from her sins.