Psalm 130: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 130 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist cries out to Yahweh from the depths of despair, asking the Lord to hear his voice and be attentive to his petitions (vv. 1-2). He acknowledges that if Yahweh kept a record of sins, no one could stand before him, but he finds hope in the fact that forgiveness is available with Yahweh, which leads to fear and reverence (vv.

Key verse

“If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?”
Psalms 130:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 130:1–2 Crying Out from Despair
Psalm 130:3–4 Confession of Sin and Need for Forgiveness
Psalm 130:5–6 Waiting with Hope
Psalm 130:7–8 Call to Hope and Redemption

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the psalmist mean by 'the depths'?
In v4, why does the psalmist say there is 'forgiveness' with God?
The phrase 'watchmen long for the morning' in v6: what does this imply about waiting for God?
In v7, what does the call to 'hope in Yahweh' suggest about the psalmist's understanding of Israel's situation?
When have you felt a longing for the Lord like 'watchmen long for the morning' in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 130: Psalm 119, Psalm 27, Psalm 86.

Before next time: read Psalm 131.