Psalm 130:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

NIV: I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

NASB: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And I wait for His word.

CSB: I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word.

NLT: I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.

KJV: I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

NKJV: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.

To "wait" on something means to anticipate it happening with some level of attention. To "wait" on a person implies service: anticipating their directions with an intent to obey. In this psalm, the writer is praying for God's forgiveness (Psalm 130:1–4). This statement acknowledges that God does not always answer prayers immediately. When the answer doesn't come soon enough, it's tempting to walk away. Faith leads us to "wait" and rely on God's goodness in the meantime. That comes with yearning (Psalm 130:6), but also trust.

David calls on God's people to "Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). Under the influence of the Devil, the world opposes believers and persecutes them (2 Corinthians 4:4). But God's Word promises a day of deliverance (Romans 13:11). Second Thessalonians 1:5–10 promises that God will punish the wicked. Believers also have the Lord's promise that He will return to carry them to His Father's house (John 14:1–3). We cannot know exactly when that will happen (Matthew 24:36). While waiting, believers can hope in His promise.

Psalm 130:5–6 declares a willingness to wait for God to respond to prayers for mercy (Psalm 130:1–2). A perfect God does not need to forgive anyone's sin (Psalm 130:3–4), but His constant and enduring love (Psalm 130:7–8) inspire confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Night watchmen eagerly await the dawn which means their work is done; in the same way the psalmist anticipates God's comforting forgiveness. Both Yahweh (Exodus 3:15) and Adonai—meaning "Lord"—are used here to refer to God.

The Lord is absolutely right to judge sin. Nothing can match the standard of His perfection. So, the psalmist asks forgiveness and mercy, trusting entirely in God's nature. This hope is constant and sincere. The Lord is associated with loyal, persistent, caring love for the people of Israel. Despite the sins of the nation, God is ready to redeem them. The first three of four small segments alternate between two common words for God; the last only repeats the word Yahweh (Exodus 3:15).

Jerusalem is located on a series of mountains; going to the city meant ascending these slopes. Songs used by pilgrims headed to required feasts there (Deuteronomy 16:16) are labeled "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134). Each focuses on a theme. Here, the subject matter is the Lord's forgiveness towards the sins of His people. This ties to the idea of His mercy (Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalm 18:25; 111:4). It also connects to His loyal, steady love, from the important Hebrew term hesed (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:5; 103:4; Lamentations 3:22).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.