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Psalms 88

World English Bible

WEB

1A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Suffering of Affliction.” A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you. 2Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry. 3For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol. 4I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a man who has no help, 5set apart among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more. They are cut off from your hand. 6You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. 7Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah. 8You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can’t escape. 9My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. I have spread out my hands to you. 10Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the departed spirits rise up and praise you? Selah. 11Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction? 12Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? 13But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you. 14Yahweh, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me? 15I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted. 16Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off. 17They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me. 18You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 88 is a poignant expression of deep sorrow and despair, attributed to the sons of Korah and a reflection of the struggles faced by the psalmist, likely #Heman. The chapter opens with a heartfelt cry to the Lord, emphasizing the urgency of the psalmist's plea for help. The repeated invocation of God as the source of salvation highlights the psalmist's reliance on divine intervention in times of distress. The language used throughout the psalm is raw and honest, portraying a sense of abandonment and isolation, as the psalmist feels engulfed by darkness and surrounded by troubles. This chapter serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can bring our pain and anguish before God, seeking His presence and comfort.

The psalmist vividly describes the depths of despair, feeling as if he is near death and cut off from the Lord's care. He recounts the suffering he endures, comparing himself to those who have gone down to the pit, emphasizing a sense of hopelessness. Despite the overwhelming feelings of despair, the psalmist continues to call upon the Lord, demonstrating a profound faith that persists even in the face of suffering. The chapter concludes with a haunting question, “Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?” This powerful inquiry encapsulates the struggle of faith amidst suffering, reminding us that it is okay to express our feelings of abandonment while still seeking God’s presence.

In summary, Psalms 88 invites us to acknowledge our pain and to bring our struggles before God, affirming that even in our darkest hours, we can trust in His faithfulness. It encourages believers to be honest in their prayers, knowing that God hears us, even when we feel alone. #Psalms #Heman #Despair #Faith

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Referenced by

  1. Job 10:21-22v12Job 10:21-22 describes the land of darkness and shadow of death, which is similar to the imagery in Psalm 88:12, where the psalmist speaks of the land of forgetfulness, emphasizing themes of death and the unknown.
  2. Job 17:1v3Job 17:1 expresses Job's sense of despair and feeling close to death, similar to the lament in Psalm 88:3-5, where the psalmist describes being counted among those who go down to the pit.
  3. Job 23:17v6Job speaks of being overwhelmed by darkness, similar to the psalmist's experience of being in the depths of darkness, reflecting themes of suffering and despair.

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