Study Guide – Psalm 130


Psalm1301 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.


What are some of the visuals used by the writer of this psalm in verses 1-2? What does the writer restate for emphasis?


3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.


In just one sentence, notice how the writer of this psalm addresses the Lord twice in verse 3. Why do you think the writer did that?


How long would your "record" be? 


How should verse 4 change the pattern of your life today?


5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.


What details are repeated and/or emphasized in verses 5-6?


How do verses 5-6 represent the proper posture of a true follower of God?


7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins. NIV


Looking at verses 7-8, when an individual has been forgiven of their sins, what community responsibility does that person then have?


What does the writer mean by the word "redeem"? How does this concept connect with verse 4?


Take a moment to apply this psalm to your own life in prayer in whatever way you need.


Related articles

Study Guide – Psalm 1
Study Guide – Psalm 12
Study Guide – Psalm 32
Study Guide – Psalm 43
Study Guide – Psalm 70
Study Guide – Psalm 99

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