I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. I am counted among those descending to the PitI am countedThe phrase "I am counted" suggests a sense of being numbered or included among a particular group. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "נֶחְשַׁבְתִּי" (neḥšavti), which comes from the root "חָשַׁב" (ḥashav), meaning to think, account, or reckon. This implies a deliberate consideration or judgment. The psalmist feels as though he is being deliberately grouped with those who are in a dire state. This reflects a deep sense of despair and alienation, as if the psalmist's fate is sealed and he is being categorized with those who are beyond hope. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a cry for recognition and understanding from God, a plea not to be forgotten or misjudged. among those
The phrase "among those" indicates inclusion within a collective. The psalmist is not alone in his suffering; he is part of a larger group experiencing similar distress. This can be seen as a reflection of the communal nature of human suffering and the shared experience of mortality. In the biblical narrative, this can also be a reminder of the collective nature of sin and the need for communal redemption. The psalmist's identification with others in suffering underscores the universality of human anguish and the need for divine intervention. descending to the Pit
The "Pit" in this context is often understood as Sheol, the abode of the dead in Hebrew thought. The Hebrew word "בּוֹר" (bor) is used here, which can mean a pit, cistern, or grave. It symbolizes a place of darkness, separation, and hopelessness. The imagery of descending suggests a movement away from life and light, a journey into the depths of despair. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Pit was seen as a place of no return, a final resting place for those who have died. Theologically, this can be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual death or separation from God. The psalmist's lament highlights the fear of being cut off from the living and from God's presence, a fear that resonates with the human condition and the need for salvation. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the hope that is found in God's promise of redemption and resurrection, a hope that transcends the grave. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Psalmist (Heman the Ezrahite)The author of Psalm 88, traditionally identified as Heman the Ezrahite, is expressing deep despair and a sense of abandonment. Heman was a wise man and a musician in the time of King David, known for his role in temple worship. 2. The PitIn Hebrew, the word "pit" ("bor") often refers to Sheol, the realm of the dead. It symbolizes a place of darkness and separation from the living, reflecting the psalmist's feeling of being close to death. 3. The Context of LamentPsalm 88 is a lament, a type of psalm that expresses sorrow, grief, and a plea for God's intervention. It is unique in its unrelenting tone of despair, without a resolution of hope within the psalm itself. Teaching Points Understanding DespairRecognize that even the faithful can experience profound despair and feelings of abandonment. This psalm gives voice to those moments when God seems distant. The Reality of Human FrailtyAcknowledge our human limitations and the times when we feel powerless. This recognition can lead us to a deeper reliance on God. The Importance of LamentEmbrace lament as a valid form of prayer. It is an honest expression of our struggles and a way to maintain communication with God, even in the darkest times. Hope Beyond the PsalmWhile Psalm 88 does not end with hope, the broader biblical account assures us of God's faithfulness and redemption. We are encouraged to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the promises of God. Community SupportEncourage seeking support from the faith community during times of despair. Sharing our burdens with others can provide comfort and strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's expression of despair in Psalm 88:4 resonate with your own experiences of feeling distant from God? 2. In what ways can the concept of "the pit" be understood in both a literal and metaphorical sense in your life? 3. How do other scriptures, such as those in Job or Isaiah, help us understand the themes of suffering and hope in Psalm 88? 4. What role does lament play in your personal prayer life, and how can it be a tool for spiritual growth? 5. How can the faith community support individuals who feel like they are "without strength" and "descending to the pit"? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 6:5This verse also speaks of the pit and the inability to praise God from Sheol, highlighting the psalmist's fear of being cut off from God's presence. Job 17:1Job expresses a similar sentiment of being without strength and close to death, paralleling the despair found in Psalm 88. Isaiah 38:18This verse reflects on the inability of the dead to praise God, reinforcing the psalmist's fear of being forgotten in death. People Abaddon, Ethan, Heman, Korah, Mahalath, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Counted, Numbered, Pit, Reckoned, StrengthDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 88:4 4257 pit Psalm 88:1-9 5970 unhappiness Psalm 88:1-18 5831 depression
8613 prayer, persistence Psalm 88:3-5 5288 dead, the Psalm 88:3-18 5265 complaints 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 88:4 NIVPsalm 88:4 NLTPsalm 88:4 ESVPsalm 88:4 NASBPsalm 88:4 KJV
Psalm 88:4 Commentaries
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