Psalms 130:1-8 - Homilies By C. Short

A cry to God for the forgiveness of sin.

I. THE PROFOUND MISERY WHICH THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SIN PRODUCES . ( Psalms 130:1-3 .) "Out of the depths. If thou shouldest mark," etc; iniquities, other "depths" than the depths of poverty or bodily affliction.

II. THE STRONGEST MOTIVE TO THE REVERENT FEAR OF GOD . ( Psalms 130:4 .) "God freely forgives sin—not that men may think lightly of sin, but that they may magnify his grace and mercy in its forgiveness. 'For thy Name's sake pardon mine iniquity.' This a more powerful motive than any other to call forth holy fear and love and self-sacrifice."

III. HIS FAITH WAITS IN THE EXPECTATION OF GOD 'S FORGIVENESS . ( Psalms 130:5 , Psalms 130:6 .)

1. His faith is full of hope— is expectant, opposed to unbelieving despondency. Hope supposes difficulties and uncertainties melting away or triumphed over.

2. But it is patient and anxious at the same time . More than those who watch for the morning in the sick-room—whether the sick or those who watch with them. The faith, therefore, is connected with anxious exercises of mind battling with the delay .

IV. HE WHO IS CONSCIOUS OF FORGIVENESS CAN INSPIRE OTHERS WITH HOPE AND TRUST . ( Psalms 130:7 , Psalms 130:8 .) "Hope"—"plenteous redemption"—"will redeem Israel"—not this or that favored man, but Israel, the nation—"from all his iniquities." Not merely from the punishment, but from the iniquities themselves.—S.