Psalms 88
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Psalms 88
O LORD God of My Salvation, I Have Cried Day and Night
1O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 88
Psa 88:1-18. Upon Mahalath--either an instrument, as a lute, to be used as an accompaniment (Leannoth, "for singing") or, as others think, an enigmatic title (see on Psa 5:1, Psa 22:1, and Psa 45:1, titles), denoting the subject--that is, "sickness or disease, for humbling," the idea of spiritual maladies being often represented by disease (compare Psa 6:5, 6; 22:14, 15, &c.). On the other terms, see on Psa 42:1 and Psa 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on Psa 89:1, title) were David's singers (1Ch 6:18, 33; 15:17), of the family of Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6), they were probably adopted into the tribe of Judah. Though called a song, which usually implies joy (Psa 83:1), both the style and matter of the Psalm are very despondent; yet the appeals to God evince faith, and we may suppose that the word "song" might be extended to such compositions.
1-2. Compare on the terms used, Psa 22:2; 31:2.
PSALM 88
Psa 88:1-18. Upon Mahalath--either an instrument, as a lute, to be used as an accompaniment (Leannoth, "for singing") or, as others think, an enigmatic title (see on Psa 5:1, Psa 22:1, and Psa 45:1, titles), denoting the subject--that is, "sickness or disease, for humbling," the idea of spiritual maladies being often represented by disease (compare Psa 6:5, 6; 22:14, 15, &c.). On the other terms, see on Psa 42:1 and Psa 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on Psa 89:1, title) were David's singers (1Ch 6:18, 33; 15:17), of the family of Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6), they were probably adopted into the tribe of Judah. Though called a song, which usually implies joy (Psa 83:1), both the style and matter of the Psalm are very despondent; yet the appeals to God evince faith, and we may suppose that the word "song" might be extended to such compositions.
1-2. Compare on the terms used, Psa 22:2; 31:2.
The Pulpit Commentary
O Lord God of my salvation. This is the one "word of trust," which some get rid of by an emendation. But the Septuagint supports the existing Hebrew text; and it is in harmony with the rest of Scripture. The saints of God never despair. I have cried day and night before thee; literally, by day have I cried—by night before thee; a trembling, gasping utterance (Kay).
O Lord God of my salvation. This is the one "word of trust," which some get rid of by an emendation. But the Septuagint supports the existing Hebrew text; and it is in harmony with the rest of Scripture. The saints of God never despair. I have cried day and night before thee; literally, by day have I cried—by night before thee; a trembling, gasping utterance (Kay).
2Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
The Pulpit Commentary
Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry (comp. Psa_86:1, Psa_86:6).
Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry (comp. Psa_86:1, Psa_86:6).
3For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. grave--literally, "hell" (Psa 16:10), death in wide sense.
3. grave--literally, "hell" (Psa 16:10), death in wide sense.
The Pulpit Commentary
For my soul is full of troubles (see Job_10:15). And my life draweth nigh unto the grave; literally, unto Sheol—the place of departed spirits (comp. Job_10:21, Job_10:22).
For my soul is full of troubles (see Job_10:15). And my life draweth nigh unto the grave; literally, unto Sheol—the place of departed spirits (comp. Job_10:21, Job_10:22).
4I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. go ... pit--of destruction (Psa 28:1).
as a man--literally, "a stout man," whose strength is utterly gone.
4. go ... pit--of destruction (Psa 28:1).
as a man--literally, "a stout man," whose strength is utterly gone.
The Pulpit Commentary
I am counted with them that go down into the pit; i.e. "to the grave." I am reckoned as one just about to die. I am as a man that hath no strength. All my strength is departed from me; I am utterly feeble and weak—a mere shadow of my former self. Physical weakness, something like paralysis, seems to be meant.
I am counted with them that go down into the pit; i.e. "to the grave." I am reckoned as one just about to die. I am as a man that hath no strength. All my strength is departed from me; I am utterly feeble and weak—a mere shadow of my former self. Physical weakness, something like paralysis, seems to be meant.
5Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. Free ... dead--Cut off from God's care, as are the slain, who, falling under His wrath, are left, no longer sustained by His hand.
5. Free ... dead--Cut off from God's care, as are the slain, who, falling under His wrath, are left, no longer sustained by His hand.
The Pulpit Commentary
Free among the dead; or, "east out among the dead." Placed with corpses, as one that needs burial. Like the slain that lie in the grave. Like those who are thrown into a pit dug on a battlefield, among whom there are often some who have not breathed their last (see the Prayerbook Version). Whom thou rememberest no more. We have already beard the complaint that in death there is no remembrance of God on the part of man (Psa_6:5); now we have the converse statement, that neither is there then any remembrance of man on the part of God. The psalmist speaks, not absolute truth, but the belief of his day—a belief which vanished when life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel. And they are out off from thy hand; i.e. severed from thee, shut up in a place where thou dwell eat not (see Job_10:21, Job_10:22).
Free among the dead; or, "east out among the dead." Placed with corpses, as one that needs burial. Like the slain that lie in the grave. Like those who are thrown into a pit dug on a battlefield, among whom there are often some who have not breathed their last (see the Prayerbook Version). Whom thou rememberest no more. We have already beard the complaint that in death there is no remembrance of God on the part of man (Psa_6:5); now we have the converse statement, that neither is there then any remembrance of man on the part of God. The psalmist speaks, not absolute truth, but the belief of his day—a belief which vanished when life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel. And they are out off from thy hand; i.e. severed from thee, shut up in a place where thou dwell eat not (see Job_10:21, Job_10:22).
6Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. Similar figures for distress in Psa 63:9; 69:3.
6. Similar figures for distress in Psa 63:9; 69:3.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit. The affliction whereof the psalmist complains has come direct from the hand of Cod. It is some severe stroke of illness which has brought him to his last gasp. The "lowest pit" is here metaphorical—the deepest depth of calamity. In darkness; literally, in darknesses, where no ray of thy favour shines upon me. In the deeps (comp. Psa_69:2, "deep waters, where the floods overflow him").
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit. The affliction whereof the psalmist complains has come direct from the hand of Cod. It is some severe stroke of illness which has brought him to his last gasp. The "lowest pit" is here metaphorical—the deepest depth of calamity. In darkness; literally, in darknesses, where no ray of thy favour shines upon me. In the deeps (comp. Psa_69:2, "deep waters, where the floods overflow him").
7Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. Compare Psa 38:2, on first, and Psa 42:7, on last clause.
7. Compare Psa 38:2, on first, and Psa 42:7, on last clause.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me. Here the cause of all the psalmist's sufferings is touched; God was angry with him (comp. Psa_88:16). And thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves (comp. Psa_42:7, "All thy waves and thy billows have gone over me").
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me. Here the cause of all the psalmist's sufferings is touched; God was angry with him (comp. Psa_88:16). And thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves (comp. Psa_42:7, "All thy waves and thy billows have gone over me").
8Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. Both cut off from sympathy and made hateful to friends (Psa 31:11).
8. Both cut off from sympathy and made hateful to friends (Psa 31:11).
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me. Compare the similar complaint of Job (Job_19:13, Job_19:14); and see also Psa_31:11; and infra, Psa_31:18. Thou hast made me an abomination unto them. So Job (Job_9:31; Job_19:19; Job_30:10). It may be suspected that the psalmist's affliction was of a kind which made him "unclean." I am shut up. Not in prison, as Jeremiah (Jer_32:2; Jer_33:1; Jer_36:5), but probably as unclean, or as suspected of Being unclean (see Le Jer_13:4 -33). And I cannot come forth. I am not allowed to quit my chamber.
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me. Compare the similar complaint of Job (Job_19:13, Job_19:14); and see also Psa_31:11; and infra, Psa_31:18. Thou hast made me an abomination unto them. So Job (Job_9:31; Job_19:19; Job_30:10). It may be suspected that the psalmist's affliction was of a kind which made him "unclean." I am shut up. Not in prison, as Jeremiah (Jer_32:2; Jer_33:1; Jer_36:5), but probably as unclean, or as suspected of Being unclean (see Le Jer_13:4 -33). And I cannot come forth. I am not allowed to quit my chamber.
9Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. Mine eye mourneth--literally, "decays," or fails, denoting exhaustion (Psa 6:7; 31:9).
I ... called--(Psa 86:5, 7).
stretched out--for help (Psa 44:20).
9. Mine eye mourneth--literally, "decays," or fails, denoting exhaustion (Psa 6:7; 31:9).
I ... called--(Psa 86:5, 7).
stretched out--for help (Psa 44:20).
The Pulpit Commentary
Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction; or, "mine eye hath grown feeble" (comp. Job_17:7). Lord, I have called daily upon thee; or, "all day." I have stretched out my hands unto thee. The attitude of earnest prayer (comp. Job_11:13; Psa_68:31, etc.).
Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction; or, "mine eye hath grown feeble" (comp. Job_17:7). Lord, I have called daily upon thee; or, "all day." I have stretched out my hands unto thee. The attitude of earnest prayer (comp. Job_11:13; Psa_68:31, etc.).
10Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. shall the dead--the remains of ghosts.
arise--literally, "rise up," that is, as dead persons.
10. shall the dead--the remains of ghosts.
arise--literally, "rise up," that is, as dead persons.
The Pulpit Commentary
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Am I to receive no mercy till I am dead? and then wilt thou work a miracle for my restoration and deliverance? Shall the dead arise and praise thee? rather, the shades (rephaim); comp. Job_26:5. The word rephaim designates the wan, shadowy ghosts that have gone down to Hades (Sheol), and are resting there. Shall these suddenly rise up and engage in the worship and praise of God? The psalmist does not, any more than Job (xiv. 14), expect such a resurrection.
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Am I to receive no mercy till I am dead? and then wilt thou work a miracle for my restoration and deliverance? Shall the dead arise and praise thee? rather, the shades (rephaim); comp. Job_26:5. The word rephaim designates the wan, shadowy ghosts that have gone down to Hades (Sheol), and are resting there. Shall these suddenly rise up and engage in the worship and praise of God? The psalmist does not, any more than Job (xiv. 14), expect such a resurrection.
11Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11-12. amplify the foregoing, the whole purport (as Psa 6:5) being to contrast death and life as seasons for praising God.
11-12. amplify the foregoing, the whole purport (as Psa 6:5) being to contrast death and life as seasons for praising God.
The Pulpit Commentary
Shall thy loving kindness be declared in the grave? Wilt thou wait till I am in my grave before thou showest any mercy upon me? or, Will not that be too late? Can thy faithfulness to thy promises be shown in destruction? literally, in Abaddon; i.e. "perdition"—a name of Sheol (of. Job_26:6; Job_28:22).
Shall thy loving kindness be declared in the grave? Wilt thou wait till I am in my grave before thou showest any mercy upon me? or, Will not that be too late? Can thy faithfulness to thy promises be shown in destruction? literally, in Abaddon; i.e. "perdition"—a name of Sheol (of. Job_26:6; Job_28:22).
12Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
The Pulpit Commentary
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? (compare above, Psa_88:10). And thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? "The land of forgetfulness," or "of oblivion," is another name for Hades, or Sheol—not that there are supposed to be no memories of the past in it (Isa_14:16, Isa_14:17), but that all is faint and shadowy there, consciousness but a half-consciousness, remembrance but a half-remembrance.
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? (compare above, Psa_88:10). And thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? "The land of forgetfulness," or "of oblivion," is another name for Hades, or Sheol—not that there are supposed to be no memories of the past in it (Isa_14:16, Isa_14:17), but that all is faint and shadowy there, consciousness but a half-consciousness, remembrance but a half-remembrance.
13But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. prevent--meet--that is, he will diligently come before God for help (Psa 18:41).
13. prevent--meet--that is, he will diligently come before God for help (Psa 18:41).
The Pulpit Commentary
But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; literally, but as for me, to thee have I cried. The psalmist returns from the somewhat vague speculations of Psa_88:10-12 to fact and to himself. He is not yet a mere shade, an inhabitant of Sheol; he is in the flesh, upon the earth; he can still cry, and does still cry, to Jehovah. There is thus still a faint gleam of hope for him. And in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. The psalmist will draw out God's mercy, as it were, before its time, by importuning him with early and continual prayer (comp. Psa_88:1, Psa_88:9).
But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; literally, but as for me, to thee have I cried. The psalmist returns from the somewhat vague speculations of Psa_88:10-12 to fact and to himself. He is not yet a mere shade, an inhabitant of Sheol; he is in the flesh, upon the earth; he can still cry, and does still cry, to Jehovah. There is thus still a faint gleam of hope for him. And in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. The psalmist will draw out God's mercy, as it were, before its time, by importuning him with early and continual prayer (comp. Psa_88:1, Psa_88:9).
14LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. On the terms (Psa 27:9; 74:1; 77:7).
14. On the terms (Psa 27:9; 74:1; 77:7).
The Pulpit Commentary
Lord, why cutest thou off my soul? The psalmist speaks here, like Job, as one aggrieved. What has he done to be "cast off"? He is evidently not aware of having sinned any grievous sin, and does not understand why he is visited with such grievous sufferings. Why hidest thou thy face from me? Perhaps it is his insensibility, his unconsciousness of real sins and shortcomings, that has drawn down upon the psalmist his chastisement.
Lord, why cutest thou off my soul? The psalmist speaks here, like Job, as one aggrieved. What has he done to be "cast off"? He is evidently not aware of having sinned any grievous sin, and does not understand why he is visited with such grievous sufferings. Why hidest thou thy face from me? Perhaps it is his insensibility, his unconsciousness of real sins and shortcomings, that has drawn down upon the psalmist his chastisement.
15I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. from ... youth up--all my life.
15. from ... youth up--all my life.
The Pulpit Commentary
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. This is a new point. The psalmist's afflictions have not come upon him recently. He does not merely mean, as some have supposed, that, like other men, as soon as he was born he began to die, but speaks of something, if not absolutely peculiar to himself, yet at any rate rare and abnormal—a long continuance in a dying state, such as could only have been brought about by some terribly severe malady. While I suffer thy terrors I am distracted; literally, I have endured thy terrors; I am exhausted. (On the endurance of God's "terrors," see Job_6:4; Job_9:34; Job_13:21.) The natural result would be a state, not of distraction, but of exhaustion. (So Kay, and substantially Professor Cheyne.)
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. This is a new point. The psalmist's afflictions have not come upon him recently. He does not merely mean, as some have supposed, that, like other men, as soon as he was born he began to die, but speaks of something, if not absolutely peculiar to himself, yet at any rate rare and abnormal—a long continuance in a dying state, such as could only have been brought about by some terribly severe malady. While I suffer thy terrors I am distracted; literally, I have endured thy terrors; I am exhausted. (On the endurance of God's "terrors," see Job_6:4; Job_9:34; Job_13:21.) The natural result would be a state, not of distraction, but of exhaustion. (So Kay, and substantially Professor Cheyne.)
16Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
16-17. the extremes of anguish and despair are depicted.
16-17. the extremes of anguish and despair are depicted.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me. "Overwhelms me;" i.e. "like a fiery flood" (see above, Psa_88:7). Thy terrors have cut me off. A different word is used for "terrors" from that which occurs in Psa_88:15, and one elsewhere occurring only in Job_6:4. The verb also is one characteristic of Job (Job_6:17; Job_23:17), and means "extinguish," or "exterminate."
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me. "Overwhelms me;" i.e. "like a fiery flood" (see above, Psa_88:7). Thy terrors have cut me off. A different word is used for "terrors" from that which occurs in Psa_88:15, and one elsewhere occurring only in Job_6:4. The verb also is one characteristic of Job (Job_6:17; Job_23:17), and means "extinguish," or "exterminate."
17They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
The Pulpit Commentary
They came round about me daily like water. God's terrors encompass the psalmist "daily," or "all day long," like water; i.e. like an overwhelming flood (compare the first clause of Psa_88:16). They compassed me about together; or, "they compass me about in a mass."
They came round about me daily like water. God's terrors encompass the psalmist "daily," or "all day long," like water; i.e. like an overwhelming flood (compare the first clause of Psa_88:16). They compassed me about together; or, "they compass me about in a mass."
18Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
18. into darkness--Better omit "into"--"mine acquaintances (are) darkness," the gloom of death, &c. (Job 17:13, 14).
18. into darkness--Better omit "into"--"mine acquaintances (are) darkness," the gloom of death, &c. (Job 17:13, 14).
The Pulpit Commentary
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me (comp. Psa_88:8 and Job_19:13). And mine acquaintance into darkness; literally, and my intimates [are] darkness; i.e. "when I look for a friend or an acquaintance, my eye meets nothing but darkness," or "dark space."
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me (comp. Psa_88:8 and Job_19:13). And mine acquaintance into darkness; literally, and my intimates [are] darkness; i.e. "when I look for a friend or an acquaintance, my eye meets nothing but darkness," or "dark space."
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 88
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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