Pentecost Season · Proper 8 · Year B
Psalm 130
Out of the Depths
June 27, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!” (Psalm 130:1)
In this psalm of ascent, we see both the individual (“I” in vv. 1–2, 5–6) and the corporate body represented (Israel in vv. 7–8). This duality makes best sense if we imagine a liturgist leading a congregation in worship. Here we see illustrated the educative role of liturgy: in verses 1–6, the liturgist exemplifies a humble and expectant piety, first in prayer to God (vv. 1–4) and then in testimony to the congregation (vv. 5–6). Moreover, in verses 7–8, he exhorts them to follow this model. Verse 6 indicates that a night performance of the psalm is particularly appropriate, though it may simply employ an image to convey a sense of longing.
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Commentary
Working Preacher: Commentary on Psalm 130 Working Preacher
Lutheran lectionary commentary on the psalm's movement from lament to hope.
Enduring Word: Psalm 130 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on the psalm.
BibleHub: Commentaries on Psalm 130:1 BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries on the opening cry from the depths.
Background & Word Study
Questions preachers ask
What is the De Profundis?
From the depths the psalmist cries for mercy, waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, and hopes in his steadfast love and plentiful redemption.
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