You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths. You have laid me in the lowest pitThis phrase begins with the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty even in the depths of despair. The Hebrew word for "laid" is "שִׁית" (shith), which implies a deliberate placement or setting. This suggests that the psalmist recognizes that his current state is not accidental but allowed by God for a purpose. The "lowest pit" refers to a place of extreme distress or Sheol, the realm of the dead in Hebrew thought. It is a metaphor for the deepest form of suffering and alienation from the living. Historically, Sheol was understood as a shadowy place where the dead reside, emphasizing the psalmist's feeling of being cut off from life and hope. in the darkest depths Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of KorahThe authors of Psalm 88, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who served in the temple. They are known for their deep and often somber psalms. 2. Heman the Ezrahite Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 88, Heman was a wise man and a musician in the time of King David, known for his wisdom and musical contributions to temple worship. 3. The Lowest Pit A metaphorical place representing extreme despair and separation from God, often associated with Sheol, the realm of the dead in Hebrew thought. 4. Darkest Depths Symbolic of profound spiritual and emotional darkness, indicating a state of hopelessness and distress. Teaching Points Understanding DespairRecognize that feelings of deep despair and darkness are part of the human experience, as even the faithful can feel abandoned at times. The Reality of Suffering Acknowledge that suffering is a reality in a fallen world, and the Bible does not shy away from expressing the depths of human anguish. Crying Out to God Even in the darkest moments, we are encouraged to cry out to God, trusting that He hears us even when we feel distant from Him. Hope in God's Deliverance While Psalm 88 is a lament, it is part of a larger biblical account that includes hope and redemption, reminding us that God is ultimately our deliverer. Community Support Encourage believers to support one another in times of darkness, reflecting the communal aspect of the Psalms and the importance of bearing one another's burdens. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "the lowest pit" and "darkest depths" in Psalm 88:6 resonate with your personal experiences of despair or spiritual darkness?2. In what ways can the communal nature of the Psalms, as seen in the authorship by the Sons of Korah, encourage us to seek support from our faith community during difficult times? 3. How do other biblical figures, such as Jonah or Job, provide examples of faith and perseverance in the midst of suffering, and how can their accounts inspire us today? 4. What practical steps can you take to cry out to God in your own times of distress, and how can you cultivate a habit of seeking Him even when He feels distant? 5. How can you be a source of hope and support for others who may be experiencing their own "lowest pit" moments, and what scriptures can you share to encourage them? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 40:2This verse contrasts the despair of Psalm 88:6 by describing God's deliverance from a "miry pit," highlighting the hope of redemption. Lamentations 3:6 Similar imagery of being placed in dark places, reflecting the theme of suffering and lamentation. Jonah 2:2-6 Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish echoes the themes of being in the depths and calling out to God from a place of distress. Job 17:13-16 Job's lament about Sheol and the darkness parallels the feelings expressed in Psalm 88:6, emphasizing the universality of human suffering.
People Abaddon, Ethan, Heman, Korah, Mahalath, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Dark, Darkest, Darkness, Deep, Deeps, Depths, Hast, Laid, Lowest, Nether-most, Pit, Places, RegionsDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 88:6 5831 depression 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 Deep How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us. How a Desolate Man Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Our Status. His Past Work. How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance. Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon The Wrath of God 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 Sense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son. Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Psalms Links Psalm 88:6 NIVPsalm 88:6 NLT Psalm 88:6 ESV Psalm 88:6 NASB Psalm 88:6 KJV Psalm 88:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |