Psalm 130:3-4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 130:1-4

In these verses we are taught, I. Whatever condition we are in, though ever so deplorable, to continue calling upon God, Ps. 130:1. The best men may sometimes be in the depths, in great trouble and affliction, and utterly at a loss what to do, in the depths of distress and almost in the depths of despair, the spirit low and dark, sinking and drooping, cast down and disquieted. But, in the greatest depths, it is our privilege that we may cry unto God and be heard. A prayer may reach the heights... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 130:3

If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities ,.... Or "observe" F6 תשמר "observaveris", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Michaelis. them. Not but that God does observe the sins of men: he sees all the evil actions of bad men done in the dark, which cannot hide them from him; and all the iniquities of good men, so as to correct and chastise for them, but not with his eye of vindictive justice. Or "keep" F7 "Serves", Cocceius; "servaveris", Muis. ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 130:4

But there is forgiveness with thee ,.... And with God only; not with angels, nor any of the sons of men; and which flows from his grace and mercy, through the blood of his Son. It appears to be with him by his promise of it in covenant; by appointing his Son to shed his blood for it, and exalting him as a Saviour to give it; by proclaiming it in the Gospel; and by the numerous instances of it, both under the Old and under the New Testament. Or, there is "a propitiation with thee"; as the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 130:3

If thou - shouldest mark iniquities - If thou shouldst set down every deviation in thought, word, and deed from thy holy law; and if thou shouldst call us into judgment for all our infidelities, both of heart and life; O Lord, who could stand? Who could stand such a trial, and who could stand acquitted in the judgment? This is a most solemn saying; and if we had not the doctrine that is in the next verse, who could be saved? read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 130:4

But there is forgiveness with thee - Thou canst forgive; mercy belongs to thee, as well as judgment. The doctrine here is the doctrine of St. John: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken!" Jesus has died for our sins; therefore God can be just, and yet the justifier of him who... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 130:3

Verse 3 3.If thou, O God! shoudst mark iniquities (119) Here the Prophet acknowledges that although grievously afflicted, he had justly deserved such punishment, as had been inflicted upon him. As by his own example he gives a rule which the whole Church ought to observe, let no man presume to intrude himself into the presence of God, but in the way of humbly deprecating his wrath; and especially when God exercises severity in his dealings towards us, let us know that we are required to make... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 130:4

Verse 4 4.But with thee there is forgiveness. This verse leads us farther. Though all men confess with the mouth that there is no human being in the world whom God may not justly adjudge to everlasting death, should it so please him, yet how few are persuaded of the truth which the Prophet now adds, that the grace of which they stand in need shall not be denied them? They either sleep in their sins through stupidity, or fluctuate amidst a variety of doubts, and, at length, are overwhelmed with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 130:1-8

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 130:1-8

Penitence and hope. We have the psalmist hero in— I. THE DEPTH OF SOME GREAT DISTRESS . It may be some severe loss he has sustained, and consequent loneliness of soul; or it may be some great disappointment of his hopes or defeat by the enemy; or it may be the persecution of those who reproach him for serious inconsistency; or it may be peril in which his cause or his life is threatened; or it may be a sad sense of personal unworthiness. Bat, whatever it may have been, it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 130:1-8

De profundis. This psalm, whose date, authorship, and special reference no one certainly knows, nevertheless presents to us three marked stages in the experience of the writer of the psalm. I. IN THE DEPTHS . ( Psalms 130:1-3 .) Undoubtedly he knew what these were; and very deep depths they appear to have been. 1. His sad condition seems to have been brought about , not so much by any outward circumstances of his life , as by some inward spiritual distress . His... read more

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