PSALM CXXX _The prayer of a penitent to God, with confession of sin_, 1-3. _Confidence in God's mercy, and waiting upon him_, 4-6. _Israel is encouraged to hope in the Lord, because of his_ _willingness to save_, 7, 8. NOTES ON PSALM CXXX This Psalm has no title nor author's name, either in t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 130:2. _LORD, HEAR MY VOICE_] They could have no helper but God, and to him they earnestly seek for relief.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 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 w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 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 no... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 130:5. _I WAIT FOR THE LORD_] The word קוה _kavah_, which we translate _to wait_, properly signifies the _extension of a cord from_ _one point to another_. This is a fine metaphor: God is one point, the _human heart_ is the other; and the _extended cord_ between both is the _earnest bel... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 130:6. MORE THAN _THEY THAT WATCH FOR THE MORNING._] I believe the original should be read differently from what it is here. The _Chaldee_ has, "More than they who observe the morning watches, that they may offer the morning oblation." This gives a good sense, and is, perhaps, the true... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 130:7. _LET ISRAEL HOPE IN THE LORD_] This, to hope for salvation, is their _duty_ and their _interest_. But what reason is there for this _hope_? A twofold reason:- 1. _WITH THE LORD_ THERE IS _MERCY_] החסד _hachesed, THAT mercy,_ _the fund, the essence_ of mercy. 2. _AND WITH HIM_ I... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 130:8. _HE SHALL REDEEM ISRAEL_] Και αυτος υτρωσει, "He will make a ransom for Israel," He will _provide a great price_ for Israel, and by it will _take away all his iniquities_. I would not restrict this to Israel in Babylon. Every _believer_ may take it to himself. God perfectly justi... [ Continue Reading ]