Psalm 130 is one in the series of Songs of Degrees, which can be found in Psalms 120 – 134. Many believe that the children of Israel sang these songs as they went up to the temple. One thing is evident, and it is that these Psalms do seem to be written for the children of Israel. However, Psalm 130 is personalized as the Psalmist pours out his heart to God, “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.” (verses 1 and 2) Some type of burden was upon the heart of the Psalmist, and he knew where to take it. Out of the depths, he cried unto the LORD. He pleaded with the Lord to hear his voice, to be attentive to his supplications.
Sin hinders answers to prayer. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” The good news is that there is forgiveness of sins. On this fact, the Psalmist based his hope that God would hear him and that God would answer his cries. “4) But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5) I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6) My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:4-6) How desperate the Psalmist was for God to hear and answer his prayer! Ye he knew there was hope in the Lord because of the Lord’s forgiveness.
Not only is there hope and forgiveness in the Lord but also mercy and plenteous redemption. Psalm 130 concludes thus, “7) Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8} And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” (verses 7 and 8) Isaiah 55:6,7 contain these most beautiful words, “6) Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Hope, mercy and pardon are held out, not only to Israel, but also to all that will call upon the Lord in repentance and seek Him, “17) The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. 18) The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. 19) He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” (Psalm 145:17-19)