Psalm 88:
"Certainly, the gloomiest psalm in the entire collection, this psalm fails of the slightest ray of hope. Perhaps the author had experienced a tragedy like that of Job for which he had no explanation
The elements of the psalm consist of petition (verses 1-2), lament verses (3-9, 15-18), and a motivation for
In this last section eight rhetorical questions are addressed to God to reinforce the fact that the psalmist can only praise Him and be faithful to Him in this life.
His death will serve no purpose.
Verses 1-18: This lament is unusual in that it does not end on a happy note. The psalmist has been ill or injured since the days of his youth (verse 15), and bemoans God’s failure to hear his prayer for good health. He assumes that God is angry with him, but like job, he knows of no cause for that anger. But though he does not understand God’s ways, the psalmist does turn to God, thus indicating an underlying trust.Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. vs.7
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? vs.12
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. vs.15
O LORD God of my salvation,
I have cried day and night before thee:
vs.1
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me,
and mine acquaintance into darkness.
vs.18
"Certainly, the gloomiest psalm in the entire collection, this psalm fails of the slightest ray of hope. Perhaps the author had experienced a tragedy like that of Job for which he had no explanation
The elements of the psalm consist of petition (verses 1-2), lament verses (3-9, 15-18), and a motivation for
In this last section eight rhetorical questions are addressed to God to reinforce the fact that the psalmist can only praise Him and be faithful to Him in this life.
His death will serve no purpose.
Verses 1-18: This lament is unusual in that it does not end on a happy note. The psalmist has been ill or injured since the days of his youth (verse 15), and bemoans God’s failure to hear his prayer for good health. He assumes that God is angry with him, but like job, he knows of no cause for that anger. But though he does not understand God’s ways, the psalmist does turn to God, thus indicating an underlying trust.
I. Complaints Against God’s Action (88:1-9).
II. Challenges to God’s Wisdom (88:10-12).
III. Charges Against God’s Conduct (88:13-18).
---He looked upon himself as a dying man, whose heart was ready to break with sorrow (v. 5): "Free among the dead (one of that ghastly corporation), like the slain that lie in the grave, whose rotting and perishing nobody takes notice of or is concerned for, nay, whom thou rememberest no more, to protect or provide for the dead bodies, but they become an easy prey to corruption and the worms.
---Title: “Sons of Korah”
“Mahalath Leannoth”: “Mahalath” is either the name of a tune or an instrument, possibly a reed pipe which was played on sad occasions. “Leannoth” may mean “to afflict” and describes the despair which permeates this psalm."
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