From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. From my youthThe phrase "From my youth" suggests a prolonged period of suffering, indicating that the psalmist has been experiencing affliction for a significant portion of their life. In Hebrew, the word for "youth" (נְעוּרַי, ne'uray) often refers to the early stages of life, a time typically associated with vigor and hope. The psalmist's use of this term underscores the depth and duration of their distress, highlighting a life marked by continuous struggle rather than the expected vitality of youth. I was afflicted
The term "afflicted" (עֻנֵּיתִי, uneti) in Hebrew conveys a sense of being humbled or oppressed. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the suffering of the Israelites under foreign oppression or divine discipline. The psalmist's affliction is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, suggesting a comprehensive experience of suffering that has shaped their entire existence. and near death
The phrase "and near death" emphasizes the severity of the psalmist's condition. In the Hebrew context, being "near death" (וְגוֹסֵס, vegoses) implies a state of extreme vulnerability and helplessness. This expression reflects the psalmist's perception of their mortality and the constant threat of death, which looms over them as a result of their prolonged affliction. I have borne Your terrors
The phrase "I have borne Your terrors" indicates that the psalmist attributes their suffering to divine action. The word "terrors" (אֵימָתֶיךָ, eimatecha) suggests overwhelming fear and dread, often associated with the presence or judgment of God. This acknowledgment of divine involvement in their suffering reflects a theological understanding that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that are painful and difficult to comprehend. I am in despair
The concluding phrase "I am in despair" captures the emotional and spiritual state of the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "despair" (אָפוּנָה, afunah) conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and without hope. This expression of despair is a raw and honest acknowledgment of the psalmist's current reality, yet it is also a form of prayer, a cry for help directed towards God. In the broader biblical narrative, such expressions of lament are often precursors to divine intervention and restoration, reminding believers of the hope that can emerge from even the darkest circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Psalmist (Heman the Ezrahite)The author of Psalm 88, traditionally identified as Heman the Ezrahite, a wise man and a musician in the time of King David. He is known for his deep lament and expression of despair in this psalm. 2. God (Yahweh)The psalmist addresses God directly, expressing his feelings of abandonment and despair, yet acknowledging God's sovereignty over his life. 3. Affliction and Near DeathThe psalmist describes a lifelong experience of suffering and being close to death, which is central to the lament in this psalm. 4. TerrorsThe psalmist speaks of bearing God's terrors, indicating a profound sense of fear and divine judgment that he feels has been upon him. 5. DespairA state of hopelessness and emotional turmoil that the psalmist finds himself in, despite his cries to God. Teaching Points Understanding SufferingSuffering is a part of the human experience, and even the faithful can endure prolonged periods of hardship. Honest PrayerThe psalmist's raw and honest expression of despair teaches us that we can bring our deepest emotions to God in prayer. God's SovereigntyDespite the feeling of abandonment, the psalmist acknowledges God's control over his life, reminding us to trust in God's sovereignty even when we don't understand His ways. Endurance in FaithThe psalmist's lifelong affliction encourages believers to persevere in faith, trusting that God is present even in silence. Community SupportThe psalm highlights the importance of community in supporting those who are suffering, as the psalmist's lament is part of the communal worship of Israel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's expression of lifelong suffering challenge or affirm your understanding of God's role in human suffering? 2. In what ways can you incorporate the honesty of the psalmist's prayers into your own prayer life, especially during times of despair? 3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Psalm 88:15 relate to other biblical accounts of suffering, such as Job or Paul's experiences? 4. What practical steps can you take to support someone in your community who is experiencing a prolonged period of suffering? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt in despair. How did your faith community play a role in your journey, and how can you be that support for others? Connections to Other Scriptures Job's Suffering Similar to the lament of Job, who also experienced profound suffering and questioned God's purposes, yet maintained a dialogue with God. Lamentations The book of Lamentations echoes the themes of despair and seeking God amidst suffering, highlighting the communal and personal grief of the Israelites. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10Paul's discussion of his "thorn in the flesh" and how God's grace is sufficient, offering a New Testament perspective on enduring suffering with faith. People Abaddon, Ethan, Heman, Korah, Mahalath, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Afflicted, Borne, Close, Death, Despair, Die, Distracted, Expiring, Fear, Helpless, Overcome, Pine, Point, Ready, Strength, Suffer, Suffered, Terrors, Troubled, Wrath, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 88:15 5746 youth
5844 emotions Psalm 88:1-18 5831 depression
8613 prayer, persistence Psalm 88:3-18 5265 complaints Psalm 88:14-18 8672 striving with God Psalm 88:15-18 9614 hope, results of absence Library Out of the Deep of Doubt, Darkness, and Hell.
O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night unto Thee. Oh! let my prayer enter into Thy presence. For my soul is full of trouble and my life draweth nigh unto Hell. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in a place of darkness, and in the deep.--Ps. lxxxviii. 1, 2. If I go down to Hell, Thou art there also. Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee; but the night is as clear as the day.--Ps. cxxxix. 7, 11. I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my calling. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the DeepHow to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us.
The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition. Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this. The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them. But first let us …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How a Desolate Man Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God
O Lord, Holy Father, be Thou blessed now and evermore; because as Thou wilt so it is done, and what Thou doest is good. Let Thy servant rejoice in Thee, not in himself, nor in any other; because Thou alone art the true joy, Thou art my hope and my crown, Thou art my joy and my honour, O Lord. What hath Thy servant, which he received not from Thee, even without merit of his own? Thine are all things which Thou hast given, and which Thou hast made. I am poor and in misery even from my youth up,(1) …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Our Status.
"And he believed in the Lord: and he counted it to him for righteousness." --Gen. xv. 6. The right touches a man's status. So long as the law has not proven him guilty, has not convicted and sentenced him, his legal status is that of a free and law-abiding citizen. But as soon as his guilt is proven in court and the jury has convicted him, he passes from that into the status of the bound and law-breaking citizen. The same applies to our relation to God. Our status before God is that either of the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit His Past Work.
His past work was accomplished by Him when he became incarnate. It was finished when He died on Calvary's cross. We have therefore to consider first of all these fundamentals of our faith. I. The Work of the Son of God is foreshadowed and predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures. II. The incarnation of the Son of God. III. His Work on the cross and what has been accomplished by it. I. Through the Old Testament Scriptures, God announced beforehand the work of His Son. This is a great theme and one …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny
To Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Bernard declares to him how little he loves praise; that the yoke of Christ is light; that he declines the name of father, and is content with that of brother. 1. In the first place, do not wonder if titles of honour affright me, when I feel myself so unworthy of the honours themselves; and if it is fitting that you should give them to me, it is not expedient for me to accept them. For if you think that you ought to observe that saying, In honour preferring one another …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500
In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation …
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Sense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son.
For whereas man sinned, and is fallen, and by his fall all things are in confusion: death prevailed from Adam to Moses (cf. Rom. v. 14), the earth was cursed, Hades was opened, Paradise shut, Heaven offended, man, lastly, corrupted and brutalised (cf. Ps. xlix. 12), while the devil was exulting against us;--then God, in His loving-kindness, not willing man made in His own image to perish, said, Whom shall I send, and who will go?' (Isa. vi. 8). But while all held their peace, the Son [441] said, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
1. A brief recapitulation of the leading points of the whole discussion. The scope of this chapter. The necessity of the doctrine of faith. This doctrine obscured by the Schoolmen, who make God the object of faith, without referring to Christ. The Schoolmen refuted by various passages. 2. The dogma of implicit faith refuted. It destroys faith, which consists in a knowledge of the divine will. What this will is, and how necessary the knowledge of it. 3. Many things are and will continue to be implicitly …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 88:15 NIVPsalm 88:15 NLTPsalm 88:15 ESVPsalm 88:15 NASBPsalm 88:15 KJV
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