Pilgrims coming to Jerusalem to celebrate the three great feasts (Exod. 23:14-17) would literally enact the imagery of this psalm as they came out of the depths (v. 1) of the lowlands and ascended to the heights of Jerusalem and the temple on Mount Zion. This hope-filled perspective is also found in Psalms 121 and 123 among the Psalms of Ascents (120–134). As pilgrims entered the temple they would hear, see, and bring sacrifices, all of which would assure them of the forgiveness (v. 4) and redemption (v. 7) that is sought in this psalm.

Ascending into the presence of God in public worship is also the means the Lord has appointed for us to be lifted up out of our disappointments, discouragements, and despair, especially those caused by our sin (v. 1; Heb. 12:22). The background of this psalm is iniquities (vv. 3, 8) and the point is forgiveness (v. 4) and redemption (vv. 7-8).

Prayer for Help (vv. 1-2)

The psalmist got himself into trouble because of his sin (iniquities; vv. 3, 8). God is just, therefore the wages of sin is “depths” (v. 1; see Rom. 6:23; Heb. 12:6). But there is no cause for despair because our God is the true God and able to help us (Lord, vv. 2,6). He is also willing to help us as our covenant God. He recognizes us personally with affectionate compassion (voice, v. 2). Therefore, the psalmist prays earnestly and confidently for help (cried, attentive, supplications; vv. 1-2).

Profession of Faith (vv. 3-4)

If God were only just, there would be no hope (v. 3). But the whole sacrificial system, especially the Day of Atonement that foreshadows the cross of Christ, testifies conclusively that our God is both just and justifier (Rom. 3:26), providing for the forgiveness of our sins (v. 4; see Lev. 4:20; 16:21; Heb. 10:18). The intended and natural result of forgiveness is reverence and love for God that bears the fruit of thankful obedience (v. 4; see 1 Kings. 8:39-40). Forgiveness means that we are to go and sin no more, not go and sin some more (v. 4; see John 8:11; Rom. 6).

Profession of Hope (vv. 5-6)

If the wages of sin is death, then the forgiveness of sin is life (vv. 4-5; Rom. 6:23). Since the psalmist trusts God for forgiveness, he also anticipates full redemption (vv. 7-8) and life from God (wait, hope; v. 5). We see this connection in Jesus dealing with the paralytic in Matthew 9:2-8. First, He forgave his sins, then He redeemed him from his paralysis. In the same way, Jesus put away our sin on the cross and will therefore also put away our death in the new creation (Heb. 9:26-28). Like the psalmist, we wait eagerly for the redemption of our bodies and of all things (vv. 5-6; Rom. 8:18-25).

Persuasion to Hope (vv. 7-8)

The gathering of God’s people in public worship reminds us that we are not alone in our sin, and that we have forgiveness and hope of full and final redemption (Israel, v. 7). Therefore, the psalmist exhorts his fellow believers to join him in his confession of sin, profession of faith in the promise of forgiveness, and profession of hope in the promise of redemption (vv. 7-8). God is faithful to His covenant to be our God and to make us His people (Lord, lovingkindness, v. 7) even redeeming us from the depths of sin and its sorrows (v. 7; 2 Cor. 5:21). He cast us out of the garden of Eden in His justice (Gen. 3:24) but, then sent His Son to bring us home in His grace (Heb. 10:18-20). He cast His people into Babylon in His justice, but then brought them home in His grace (Isa. 54:4-8).

We trust God because of the day He completely accomplished the forgiveness of all our sins (v. 8; Lev. 16:21; Heb. 9:26), and we also eagerly wait for the day when He will apply this fully in the redemption of our bodies and the wiping away of all our tears (Rom. 8:18-25; Rev. 7:17; 21:4).

Lessons

Trust God for His forgiveness (vv. 3-4) and hope in Him for His redemption (vv. 7-8; see Matt 9:2, 6). Pray earnestly for these things (vv. 1-2) and wait eagerly for them with perseverance (vv.5-6; see Rom. 8:18-26; Heb. 10:36).

Kit Swartz | Comments welcome at oswegorpc@hotmail.com. Audio files and PDF outlines are at reformedvoice.com.