◄ Psalm 88 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
I Cry Out before You A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth.a A Maskilb of Heman the Ezrahite. 1 O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You. 2May my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. 3For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. 4I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. 5I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care. 6You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths. 7Your wrath weighs heavily upon me; all Your waves have submerged me. Selah 8You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape. 9My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You. 10Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah 11Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddonc? 12Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion? 13But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You. 14Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me? 15From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. 16Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. 17All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side. 18You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion. Footnotes: 1 a Mahalath Leannoth is probably a musical or liturgical term; see also Psalm 53:1. 1 b Maskil is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 32, 42, 44–45, 52–55, 74, 78, 88–89, and 142. 11 c Abaddon means Destruction. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 88 Summary I Cry Out before You Verses 1–2 – Persistent Cry to the Saving God The psalmist begins with determined prayer, addressing “O LORD, the God of my salvation” and pleading that his cry be heard day and night. Verses 3–7 – Swallowed by Troubles and Wrath He describes a soul filled with grief, feeling already among the dead. He sees his suffering as God’s doing: “Your wrath weighs heavily upon me; all Your waves have submerged me.” Verses 8–9 – Cut Off and Confined Friends have vanished, he is repulsive to others, and he feels trapped with failing sight. Yet he keeps stretching out his hands in prayer. Verses 10–12 – Questions from the Depths From the grave’s edge he challenges God: Can the dead praise You? Will Your wonders be known “in the darkness” or Your faithfulness “in Abaddon”? Verses 13–14 – Prayer Meets Silence Again he prays at dawn, but hears only silence: “Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?” Verses 15–18 – Lifelong Affliction and Encroaching Darkness Suffering has marked him since youth. God’s terrors engulf him, companions are gone, and the psalm closes with stark words: “darkness is my closest friend.” Psalm 88, a song of the Sons of Korah, stands out as one of the most poignant laments in the Psalms. The psalmist finds himself in profound suffering and despair, feeling as if he has been abandoned by both God and his friends. As he navigates these tumultuous feelings, he continues to pray, laying out his afflictions before God. This chapter challenges us to face the rawest emotions of desolation and loss while reminding us of the importance of unceasing prayer, even in the darkest hours. Authorship and Musical Notations • Title credits Heman the Ezrahite, a gifted Levitical singer (1 Chronicles 6:33). • “A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah” links it with the temple choir led by Korah’s descendants. • “According to Mahalath Leannoth” was likely a well-known melody, possibly a mournful tune whose name hints at affliction. • The superscription signals skilled, intentional composition meant for public worship despite its private pain. Historical Setting and Ancient Imagery • “Sheol,” “the Pit,” and “Abaddon” reflect ancient Israel’s view of the grave as a shadowy realm lacking praise. Archaeological digs around Jerusalem show rock-cut tombs where bodies were laid, matching the psalm’s language of being “set apart with the dead.” • Water metaphors (“all Your waves have submerged me”) recall the chaotic deep of Genesis 1:2 and the Red Sea (Exodus 15:5). In the ancient Near East, drowning symbolized total defeat. • Isolation—friends removed, no escape—mirrors the social shunning of skin diseases or other ritual impurities described in Leviticus 13. Structure and Literary Flow 1. Opening address and plea (vv. 1–2) 2. Description of present misery (vv. 3–9) 3. Rhetorical questions aimed at God (vv. 10–12) 4. Renewed plea and statement of rejection (vv. 13–14) 5. Summary of lifelong suffering (vv. 15–18) The psalm never swings to praise, making its unbroken lament unique within the Psalter. Key Themes • Honesty with God: The psalmist names God as “the God of my salvation” even while accusing Him of causing the pain. • Persevering prayer: Repeated cries “day and night” model endurance. • Felt abandonment: The sense of divine silence foreshadows Christ’s cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; cf. Psalm 22:1). • The reality of deep sorrow in faith: Suffering does not negate belonging to God; both coexist in the psalm. Connections Throughout Scripture • Job parallels: “I am allotted months of futility” (Job 7:3) echoes the psalmist’s lifelong despair. • Jonah 2 uses similar underwater imagery while inside the fish. • Lamentations 3 contains the same complaint of being walled in with no escape. • Revelation 9 mentions Abaddon, linking the word with destruction yet under God’s rule. • Hebrews 5:7 notes Jesus offering prayers “with loud cries and tears,” showing that Psalm 88’s tone is part of righteous experience. Archaeological Insights • Second-Temple inscriptions in Jerusalem speak of the grave silencing praise, matching vv. 10–12. • Excavated lyres and cymbals from the time of David’s monarchy give substance to the Korahite musical guild, reminding us these words were once sung aloud in the temple courts. • References to being “confined” underline Iron-Age practices of imprisoning debtors in literal pits—muddy cisterns found by archaeologists at Lachish and Megiddo. Messianic Echoes • Verse 8: “You have removed my friends from me” parallels the disciples’ flight (Mark 14:50). • Verse 6: “You have laid me in the lowest pit” resonates with Christ’s burial. • The psalm’s close—unresolved darkness—anticipates the sealed tomb, while the opening address to “the God of my salvation” hints at eventual resurrection even if not seen here. Use in Israel’s Worship and in the Church • Ancient Israel read laments at personal and national fasts. Psalm 88 gave words to sufferers who could not see daylight yet refused to turn from God. • Churches often read it during Holy Week or on Good Friday, standing with Christ in the gloom before Easter dawn. • Its inclusion encourages congregations to welcome raw lament without rushing to quick fixes. Practical Guidance for Modern Readers • God hears even when He feels absent. Keep praying. • Being honest about pain is biblical; suppressing it is not a mark of strong faith. • Community matters: the psalmist’s isolation warns against abandoning those in prolonged sorrow. • Hope is implied by the address “LORD” (YHWH) twenty-four times—steadfast covenant name anchoring the darkest night. Connections to Additional Scriptures Job 30:20 I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer; I stand up, but You merely look at me. This verse echoes the theme of unanswered prayers and divine silence. Lamentations 3:8 Even when I cry out and plead for help, He shuts out my prayer. This passage reflects the struggle of feeling unheard by God. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 Paul speaks of being under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, yet learning to rely on God. This New Testament perspective offers hope in suffering. Teaching Points The Cry for Help The psalmist begins with an urgent plea to God, O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You (Psalm 88:1). This highlights the psalmist's persistent faith despite feeling abandoned. The Depth of Despair The psalmist vividly describes his suffering, feeling as though he is counted among those descending to the Pit (Psalm 88:4). This imagery emphasizes the severity of his anguish and isolation. Perceived Abandonment The psalmist feels forsaken by God, stating, You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths (Psalm 88:6). This reflects a profound sense of divine absence, a common experience in human suffering. Isolation from Others The psalmist laments the loss of companionship, You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them (Psalm 88:8). This underscores the loneliness that often accompanies deep trials. Unanswered Prayers Despite his cries, the psalmist feels unheard, I call to You, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to You (Psalm 88:9). This persistence in prayer, even when answers seem absent, is a testament to enduring faith. Practical Applications Honest Prayer We are encouraged to bring our raw emotions and deepest fears to God, trusting that He can handle our honesty. Perseverance in Faith Even when God seems silent, we are called to continue seeking Him, believing in His ultimate faithfulness. Empathy for Others Recognizing the depth of the psalmist's suffering can help us develop compassion for those around us who are experiencing similar trials. Community Support The psalm reminds us of the importance of supporting those who feel isolated and abandoned, offering them the love and presence of Christ. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The psalmist addresses God as "LORD" throughout the psalm, expressing a deep sense of abandonment and pleading for deliverance. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is יהוה (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal relationship. 2. The Psalmist (Heman the Ezrahite) Although not explicitly named in the text of the psalm itself, the title attributes the psalm to Heman the Ezrahite. The psalmist is the speaker who is in deep distress, feeling isolated and close to death, and is crying out to God for help. The psalm does not mention any other specific persons, focusing instead on the relationship and communication between the psalmist and God. The psalmist's lament is deeply personal, reflecting a sense of isolation from both God and others. Places 1. Sheol Reference: "For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol." (Psalm 88:3) Description: Sheol is a Hebrew term often used in the Old Testament to refer to the realm of the dead or the grave. It is depicted as a place of darkness and separation from the living, reflecting the psalmist's deep despair and sense of abandonment. 2. The Pit Reference: "I am counted among those descending to the Pit." (Psalm 88:4) Description: The Pit is another metaphorical term for the grave or a place of destruction. In Hebrew, the word "bor" can mean a pit or cistern, symbolizing a place of entrapment and hopelessness. 3. The Grave Reference: "You have put me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest depths." (Psalm 88:6) Description: The Grave, or "qeber" in Hebrew, is a place of burial. It signifies the psalmist's feeling of being buried alive in sorrow and isolation. 4. The Land of Forgetfulness Reference: "Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" (Psalm 88:12) Description: This phrase refers to a place where the dead are forgotten, emphasizing the psalmist's fear of being cut off from God's presence and memory. Events 1. Cry for Help The psalmist begins with a desperate plea to the LORD, expressing a continuous cry for help. The Hebrew root for "cry" (זָעַק, za'aq) emphasizes a loud call for assistance. (Psalm 88:1-2) 2. Acknowledgment of God's Role The psalmist acknowledges God as the "God of my salvation," indicating a recognition of God's power and past deliverance. (Psalm 88:1) 3. Description of Distress The psalmist describes his soul as being full of troubles and his life drawing near to Sheol, the realm of the dead. The Hebrew term "Sheol" (שְׁאוֹל) is significant as it represents a place of darkness and separation. (Psalm 88:3) 4. Feeling of Being Counted Among the Dead The psalmist feels as though he is counted among those who go down to the pit, emphasizing a sense of hopelessness and abandonment. (Psalm 88:4-5) 5. Perception of God's Wrath The psalmist perceives that he is under God's wrath, feeling overwhelmed by God's waves. The imagery of waves suggests relentless and overpowering forces. (Psalm 88:7) 6. Isolation from Friends The psalmist laments that God has removed his friends and companions, leaving him isolated and repulsive to them. This highlights the social and emotional aspects of his suffering. (Psalm 88:8) 7. Continual Prayer Despite his suffering, the psalmist continues to call upon the LORD daily, demonstrating persistent faith amidst despair. (Psalm 88:9) 8. Questioning God's Actions The psalmist questions whether God will perform wonders for the dead or if the departed will rise to praise Him, reflecting a struggle to understand God's purposes. (Psalm 88:10-12) 9. Reiteration of Distress The psalmist reiterates his affliction and the sense of being cast off by God, emphasizing the depth of his suffering. (Psalm 88:14-15) 10. Concluding Lament The psalm concludes with a lament over the darkness that surrounds the psalmist, with his only companions being darkness itself. This final note underscores the theme of abandonment and despair. (Psalm 88:18) Throughout Psalm 88, the psalmist's raw and honest expression of suffering and isolation is evident, yet there remains an underlying thread of faith as he continues to address God directly. Lessons from Psalm 88 1. Cry Out to God in Distress Psalm 88 begins with a heartfelt plea: "O LORD, the God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before You" (Psalm 88:1). This teaches us the importance of turning to God in our darkest moments. No matter how deep the valley, God is always ready to listen. Our cries are not in vain; they are a testament to our faith and reliance on Him. 2. Acknowledge Your Suffering The psalmist does not shy away from expressing his pain: "For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol" (Psalm 88:3). Acknowledging our suffering is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing. By bringing our burdens to God, we invite His comfort and strength into our lives. 3. Remember God's Faithfulness Even in despair, the psalmist recognizes God as the "God of my salvation" (Psalm 88:1). This reminds us to hold onto the truth of God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak. His past faithfulness is a promise of His future provision. 4. Seek God's Presence Persistently The psalmist's continuous prayer, "I cry out day and night before You" (Psalm 88:1), encourages us to be persistent in seeking God's presence. Consistent prayer keeps us connected to God and opens our hearts to His guidance and peace. 5. Be Honest with God Psalm 88 is a raw and honest expression of the psalmist's feelings. "I am counted among those who go down to the Pit" (Psalm 88:4) shows us that we can be completely honest with God about our struggles. He knows our hearts and desires our transparency. 6. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite feeling abandoned, the psalmist acknowledges God's control: "You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths" (Psalm 88:6). Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is working all things for our good, even when we cannot see it. 7. Embrace Community Support The psalmist laments, "You have removed my friends from me" (Psalm 88:8), highlighting the importance of community. While he feels isolated, we are reminded to seek and cherish the support of fellow believers who can uplift us in prayer and encouragement. 8. Hold onto Hope Though the psalm is filled with lament, the underlying hope is in God's character. "Will Your wonders be known in the darkness?" (Psalm 88:12) suggests that even in darkness, God's wonders can shine through. Hope anchors us in the promise of His light. 9. Reflect on God's Past Deeds The psalmist questions, "Do You work wonders for the dead?" (Psalm 88:10), prompting us to reflect on God's past deeds. Remembering His miracles and faithfulness in history strengthens our faith and reassures us of His power in our lives. 10. Rest in God's Unchanging Nature Finally, Psalm 88 reminds us that God's nature is unchanging. Despite the psalmist's feelings of abandonment, God's love and mercy remain constant. "But I, O LORD, cry to You for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You" (Psalm 88:13) assures us that His ears are always open to our prayers, and His love never fails. Topics 1. Cry for Help The psalmist begins with an earnest plea to God, expressing a deep sense of urgency and desperation. ^"O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You."^ (Psalm 88:1) The Hebrew root for "cry out" (זָעַק, za'aq) conveys a loud call for help, emphasizing the intensity of the psalmist's plea. 2. Persistent Prayer The psalmist emphasizes the continual nature of his prayers, indicating a relentless pursuit of God's attention. ^"May my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry."^ (Psalm 88:2) The Hebrew word for "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) suggests a formal petition, highlighting the psalmist's devotion. 3. Overwhelming Suffering The psalmist describes his soul as being full of troubles, indicating profound suffering and despair. ^"For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol."^ (Psalm 88:3) "Sheol" (שְׁאוֹל, she'ol) refers to the realm of the dead, underscoring the severity of his plight. 4. Sense of Abandonment The psalmist feels forsaken by God, which intensifies his anguish and sense of isolation. ^"You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths."^ (Psalm 88:6) The imagery of "lowest pit" and "darkest depths" conveys a profound sense of abandonment and despair. 5. Isolation from Others The psalmist laments being cut off from friends and loved ones, adding to his sense of loneliness. ^"You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them."^ (Psalm 88:8) The Hebrew root for "removed" (רָחַק, rachaq) implies a deliberate distancing, highlighting the psalmist's isolation. 6. Questioning God's Actions The psalmist questions God's apparent inaction, reflecting a struggle to understand his suffering. ^"Do You show Your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise You?"^ (Psalm 88:10) These rhetorical questions express the psalmist's confusion and longing for divine intervention. 7. Despair and Darkness The psalm concludes with a reiteration of the psalmist's despair, emphasizing the pervasive darkness surrounding him. ^"You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; darkness is my closest friend."^ (Psalm 88:18) The Hebrew word for "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshech) symbolizes the absence of hope and light in the psalmist's life. Psalm 88 is unique in its unrelenting tone of lament, offering a raw and honest portrayal of human suffering and the struggle to find hope in the midst of despair. Themes 1. Desperation and Cry for Help The psalmist begins with a plea for God to hear his cry: "O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You" (Psalm 88:1). The Hebrew root for "cry out" (זָעַק, za'aq) conveys a sense of urgent, desperate pleading, highlighting the psalmist's intense need for divine intervention. 2. Sense of Abandonment The psalmist expresses a profound feeling of being forsaken: "You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths" (Psalm 88:6). The imagery of darkness and isolation underscores a theme of abandonment, as the psalmist feels cut off from God's presence. 3. Overwhelming Suffering The psalmist describes his afflictions as overwhelming: "Your wrath lies heavily upon me; You have overwhelmed me with all Your waves" (Psalm 88:7). The Hebrew word for "waves" (מִשְׁבָּרֶיךָ, mishbarekha) suggests relentless, crashing forces, symbolizing the psalmist's intense suffering. 4. Isolation from Community The psalmist laments his separation from others: "You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them" (Psalm 88:8). This theme of isolation is compounded by the loss of social support, emphasizing the depth of his loneliness. 5. Questioning God's Presence The psalmist questions God's apparent absence: "Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?" (Psalm 88:14). The Hebrew concept of God "hiding His face" (הִסְתִּיר פָּנֶיךָ, hester panecha) reflects a perceived withdrawal of divine favor and presence. 6. Plea for Deliverance Despite his despair, the psalmist continues to seek God's deliverance: "But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You" (Psalm 88:13). This persistent plea underscores a theme of hope amidst hopelessness, as the psalmist clings to the possibility of divine rescue. 7. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty Throughout the psalm, there is an implicit acknowledgment of God's control over the psalmist's circumstances: "You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them" (Psalm 88:8). This recognition of God's sovereignty, even in suffering, is a recurring theme in the psalm. Prayer Points Pray for those who feel abandoned by God, that they may sense His presence and comfort. Ask for strength and perseverance for those enduring prolonged trials, that their faith may remain steadfast. Seek God's guidance in being a source of support and encouragement to those in despair. Thank God for His faithfulness, even when it is not immediately apparent, trusting in His perfect timing and plan. Answering Tough Questions 1. Why does Psalm 88 present unrelenting despair without any expression of hope, seeming to contradict other passages that emphasize God’s deliverance (Psalm 88:1–3)? 2. How do we reconcile the claim of God’s omnipresence with the Psalmist’s sense of complete abandonment in Psalm 88:14? 3. Is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting the authorship of Heman the Ezrahite mentioned in Psalm 88:1, or is this purely literary? 4. Why does the repeated emphasis on God’s wrath in Psalm 88:7 and 88:16 clash with portrayals of divine mercy elsewhere in the Bible? 5. If the Old Testament often portrays God rescuing the faithful, why does Psalm 88 contain no promise of deliverance at all? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Psalmist express his feelings of despair and abandonment? Can you relate to these feelings? 2. How does the Psalmist's honest communication with God reflect his relationship with Him? 3. Why do you think the Psalmist continues to pray despite feeling like God is not listening? 4. Can you recall a time when you felt your prayers were unheard? How did you deal with that situation? 5. How does Psalm 88 challenge traditional notions of faith and prayer? 6. Psalm 88 is a lamentation without a resolution. Why is it important to include such expressions in the Bible? 7. In modern life, how do we react to situations similar to the one the Psalmist found himself in? 8. The Psalmist questions God's goodness. Have you ever had similar questions? How did you resolve them? 9. The Psalmist felt abandoned by his friends. How does this relate to modern concepts of loneliness and mental health? 10. What can we learn from the Psalmist's perseverance in prayer? 11. How might Psalm 88 offer comfort to those going through a difficult time, even though it does not resolve positively? 12. How can you maintain hope during periods of suffering and despair, as the Psalmist did? 13. How does Psalm 88 inform your understanding of God's presence during suffering? 14. How can we use the Psalmist's example to approach our feelings of desolation and loneliness? 15. In Psalm 88, death is referred to as the "Land of Forgetfulness." How does this imagery impact your understanding of death and the afterlife? 16. How can we use prayer, like the Psalmist, as a tool for managing feelings of despair and abandonment? 17. How can the church and community support individuals who feel as desolate as the Psalmist? 18. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains strong during periods of doubt and hardship? 19. In what ways can you encourage others who may feel that their prayers are unheard? 20. How can you apply the lessons learned from Psalm 88 to your personal journey with God? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions