The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

But there is forgiveness with thee (comp. Exodus 34:7; 1 Kings 8:30, 1 Kings 8:34, 1 Kings 8:36, 1 Kings 8:39. etc.; Psalms 25:13; Psalms 32:1, etc.; Daniel 9:9; 1 John 1:9, etc.). That thou mayest be feared.

Milton makes his Satan say, "Then farewell hope, and, with hope, farewell fear!" ('Paradise Lost,' canto 1.). And certainly the true fear of God, which Scripture requires in us—a reverential, loving fear—could not exist, unless we had a confident hope in God's mercy and willingness to forgive us our trespasses, if we turn to him.

More for Psalms 130:4

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 130:1-4The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:1-8A 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:1-8Penitence and hope. We have the psalmist hero in— I. THE DEPTH OF SOME GREAT DISTRESS. It may be some severe loss he has sustained, and consequent loneliness of soul; or it may be some great disappointment of his hopes…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:1-8De profundis. This psalm, whose date, authorship, and special reference no one certainly knows, nevertheless presents to us three marked stages in the experience of the writer of the psalm. I. IN THE DEPTHS. (Psalms 130…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:1-8EXPOSITION THE cry of Israel in extreme distress—apparently a Captivity song. Israel has sinned and been punished; it now acknowledges its sins, and prays for mercy and forgiveness. Towards the end (Psalms 130:7, Psalms…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:4Forgiveness generating fear. God's mercy is, with striking truth to nature, made a ground for godly fear. "In the sense of his mercy we know best the exceeding 'sinfulness of sin; ' so far as we feel that sin is still c…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 130:4The assurance of God's forgiveness. The psalmist had this, and his history is recorded for our help—for the help of all those who desire this assurance. I. NOTE TO WHOM THIS BLESSED ASSURANCE IS GIVEN. 1. Not to every o…Joseph S. Exell and contributors