Psalm 130:1-8 Out of the depths have I cried to you, O LORD. I. THE CRY (vers. 1, 2). He needs an entire renovation; only the Creator can bestow that. He needs absolution; only the Being offended can grant this. To Him, therefore, to Jehovah he addresses himself. He prays earnestly and perseveringly. II. THE INDIRECT CONFESSION (vers. 3, 4). If Jehovah should take the matter in hand, no escape would be possible. For He is the all-seeing God, from whom nothing can be hid. Other standards are deflected and partial; this is uniform and steadfast. Its Author cannot be deceived, and will not be mocked. Who, then, shall stand when He rises up? The question answers itself. None; no, not one. III. EXPRESSIONS OF LONGING AND HOPE. (vers. 5, 6). President Edwards, during a long sickness, observed that those watching with him often looked out for the morning eagerly. It reminded him of this psalm; and when the dawn came it seemed to him to be an image of the sweet light of God's glory. For such longing is not unsatisfied. They who have it experience the Beatitude, "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." Longings for earthly goods are often disappointed, but never the conviction which leads a man to say, "My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." IV. THE EXHORTATION (vers. 7, 8). Divine grace is not easily exhausted. There is enough and to spare. With Jehovah is the lovingkindness, shown in creation's fulness, the array of fruits and flowers, the song of birds, brilliant skies, all that pleases in air, earth, and sea, the countless blessings that come upon the just and the unjust. Nay, with Him is "abundant redemption," deliverance for the lost and undone. It is not a scant provision, but liberal. There is no end to its riches, no limit to its efficacy. It extends to all vices, crimes, and shortcomings of heart, speech, or behaviour — can make sins of scarlet as white as snow, such as are red like crimson to be as wool. (T. W. Chambers, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Song of degrees.} Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. |
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