Psalms 130:6
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Original Language Analysis
נַפְשִׁ֥י
My soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֥י
My soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לַֽאדֹנָ֑י
waiteth for the Lord
H136
לַֽאדֹנָ֑י
waiteth for the Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
2 of 6
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
שֹׁמְרִ֥ים
I say more than they that watch
H8104
שֹׁמְרִ֥ים
I say more than they that watch
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַבֹּֽקֶר׃
for the morning
H1242
לַבֹּֽקֶר׃
for the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
Historical Context
Night watches were organized periods when guards remained alert to protect cities or camps (Exodus 14:24; Judges 7:19; 1 Samuel 11:11). The darkness before dawn was considered the most dangerous time. Watchmen's longing for morning would resonate powerfully with ancient audiences familiar with night's vulnerability and dawn's safety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the metaphor of watchmen waiting for morning illustrate confident, eager expectation?
- What does the repetition reveal about the intensity of the psalmist's longing for God?
- How does comparing spiritual waiting to natural certainty (dawn always comes) strengthen faith?
- In what ways do believers experience spiritual 'darkness' that makes them long for God's 'dawn'?
- How does this verse balance present difficulty with future certainty?
Analysis & Commentary
The intensity of waiting is illustrated: 'My soul waiteth for the LORD more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.' The comparison 'more than they that watch for the morning' uses night watchmen as metaphor. Guards who watch through night's darkest hours eagerly anticipate dawn - representing both relief from duty and victory over darkness. The psalmist's anticipation of divine deliverance exceeds even this eager expectation. The phrase is repeated for emphasis - 'I say, more than they that watch for the morning' - reinforcing that nothing compares to longing for God's intervention. The imagery suggests present darkness (depths, distress) and future light (deliverance, presence of God). Dawn is certain; watchmen know it will come. Similarly, the psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance is absolute, though timing remains unknown.