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You asked

how does the new testament concept of 'hope' relate to or differ from this psalm's 'waiting'?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Psalm 130:5-6

I wait for Yahweh, my soul waits. I hope in his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning; more than watchmen for the morning.

This psalm is one of the "Songs of Ascents," likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It begins with a cry from distress and moves towards an expression of trust and patient expectation in God's mercy and promises, even amidst deep trouble.

What does waiting with hope mean when the longed-for outcome feels far away or uncertain?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Lamentations 3:25-26

    This passage speaks of God's goodness to those who wait for him, affirming patient expectation.

  • Romans 8:24-25

    Paul connects hope with waiting patiently for what is not yet seen, echoing the psalm's theme.

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