Verse 1-2

Psalm 130:1-8. The penitent sinner‘s hope is in God‘s mercy only.

depths — for great distress (Psalm 40:2; Psalm 69:3).

Verse 3

shouldest mark — or, “take strict account” (Job 10:14; Job 14:16), implying a confession of the existence of sin.

who shall stand — (Psalm 1:6). Standing is opposed to the guilty sinking down in fear and self-condemnation (Malachi 3:2; Revelation 6:15, Revelation 6:16). The question implies a negative, which is thus more strongly stated.

Verse 4

Pardon produces filial fear and love. Judgment without the hope of pardon creates fear and dislike. The sense of forgiveness, so far from producing licentiousness, produces holiness (Jeremiah 33:9; Ezekiel 16:62, Ezekiel 16:63; 1 Peter 2:16). “There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed upon, but feared.”

Verse 5-6

wait for the Lord — in expectation (Psalm 27:14).

watch for, etc. — in earnestness and anxiety.

Verse 7-8

Let Israel, etc. — that is, All are invited to seek and share divine forgiveness.

from all his iniquities — or, “punishments of them” (Psalm 40:12, etc.).