Psalm Devotional
Out of the Depths
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).
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).
