From the Depths (Psalm 130:1)

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!

Psalm 130:1

Psalms 120 through 134 are known as the Songs of Ascents. They relate to the last 15 years of the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah experienced tremendous challenges during that period of his reign. To name a few:

• Hezekiah’s kingdom, Judah, was invaded by the Assyrian Empire.
• Historical records reveal that Judean cities were decimated.
• Hundreds of thousands of Hezekiah’s subjects were taken into captivity.
• Hezekiah also became gravely ill.
• Since he had no child, his sickness threatened the continuation of the royal line of David.
• Hezekiah could not even rely on a united nation to help him.
• There was considerable intrigue in his court, and some of his officials plotted against him (e.g., Psalm 120).

Psalm 130 shows that Hezekiah turned to God in his distress. He cried from “the depths.” His words are a reminder that even when we are at our lowest, God still hears us from the heights of heaven.

Hezekiah mediated on God’s character when he was troubled. Verse 4 states, “But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” Pondering God’s forgiveness encouraged Hezekiah to trust in Him. Hezekiah turned to God knowing that He is loving and merciful, and

• God heard Hezekiah’s prayer.
• He delivered him.
• The Assyrian army was destroyed.
• Hezekiah also recovered from his illness.
• Moreover, he had a son who succeeded him as king and who is listed in the lineage of the Lord (Matthew 1:10).

What encourages you to turn to the Lord when you are experiencing hardships?

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