Psalms Chapter 88 (WEB)

Read Psalms chapter 88 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.

Psalms 88 is part of “Book III: The Leviticus Book” (73–89) in the outline of Psalms.

Psalms 88 summary

This psalm is a lamentation, one of the most melancholy of all the psalms; and it does not conclude, as usually the melancholy psalms do, with the least intimation of comfort or joy, but, from first to last, it is mourning and woe. It is not upon a public account that the psalmist here complains (here is no mention of the afflictions of the church), but only upon a personal account, especially trouble of mind, and the grief impressed upon his spirits both by his outward afflictions and by the remembrance of his sins and the fear of God's wrath. It is reckoned among the penitential psalms, and it is well when our fears are thus turned into the right channel, and we take occasion from our worldly grievances to sorrow after a godly sort. In this psalm we have, I. The great pressure of spirit that the psalmist was under (Psa 88:3-6). II. The wrath of God, which was the cause of that pressure (Psa 88:7, Psa 88:15-17). III. The wickedness of his friends (Psa 88:8, Psa 88:18). IV. The application he made to God by prayer (Psa 88:1, Psa 88:2, Psa 88:9, Psa 88:13). V. His humble expostulations and pleadings with God (Psa 88:10, Psa 88:12, Psa 88:14). Those who are in trouble of mind may sing this psalm feelingly; those that are not ought to sing it thankfully, blessing God that it is not their case. A song or psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.

Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

1. 1 A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Suffering of Affliction.” A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. LORD, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.
2. 2 Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry.
3. 3 For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol.
4. 4 I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a man who has no help,
5. 5 set apart among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more. They are cut off from your hand.
6. 6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
7. 7 Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah.
8. 8 You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can’t escape.
9. 9 My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, LORD. I have spread out my hands to you.
10. 10 Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the departed spirits rise up and praise you? Selah.
11. 11 Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction?
12. 12 Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13. 13 But to you, LORD, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.
14. 14 LORD, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me?
15. 15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.
16. 16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off.
17. 17 They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.
18. 18 You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness.