Psalms 130:7

Authorized King James Version

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Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

Original Language Analysis

יַחֵ֥ל hope H3176
יַחֵ֥ל hope
Strong's: H3176
Word #: 1 of 11
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Let Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Let Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 2 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 11
near, with or among; often in general, to
יְהוָ֥ה for with the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה for with the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 6 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָ֥ה for with the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה for with the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַחֶ֑סֶד there is mercy H2617
הַחֶ֑סֶד there is mercy
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 8 of 11
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְהַרְבֵּ֖ה and with him is plenteous H7235
וְהַרְבֵּ֖ה and with him is plenteous
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 9 of 11
to increase (in whatever respect)
עִמּ֣וֹ H5973
עִמּ֣וֹ
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 10 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
פְדֽוּת׃ redemption H6304
פְדֽוּת׃ redemption
Strong's: H6304
Word #: 11 of 11
distinction; also deliverance

Analysis & Commentary

Personal testimony becomes corporate exhortation: 'Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.' The shift from personal (vv. 1-6) to corporate ('Israel') demonstrates that individual experience should encourage communal faith. The command 'let Israel hope' makes confident expectation a duty for all God's people. The word 'hope' (yachal) reappears from verse 5. The basis for hope is twofold: 'with the LORD there is mercy' and 'with him is plenteous redemption.' 'Mercy' (Hebrew 'chesed') is covenant love, loyal devotion, steadfast kindness - God's reliable character. 'Plenteous redemption' (Hebrew 'harbeh pedut') emphasizes abundant, full, complete deliverance. God doesn't redemption sparingly or partially. 'Redemption' (pedut) means ransom, deliverance, freedom - often involving price paid. This verse assures that God's resources are infinite - His mercy and redemption never run out.

Historical Context

The call for Israel to hope in the LORD reflects corporate identity and mutual encouragement. God's mercy and redemption were demonstrated repeatedly in Israel's history - exodus, return from exile, preservation through threats. The pattern of personal testimony leading to corporate exhortation appears throughout psalms, strengthening communal faith.

Questions for Reflection