Psalms 88
BSB1 O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You. 2 May my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. 3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. 4 I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. 5 I 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. 6 You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths. 7 Your wrath weighs heavily upon me; all Your waves have submerged me. Selah 8 You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape. 9 My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You. 10 Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah 11 Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon ? 12 Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion? 13 But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You. 14 Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me? 15 From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. 16 Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. 17 All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side. 18 You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion.
Study Notes — Psalms 88
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 88
- Themes from Psalms 88
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 88
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The psalmist begins by expressing his deep sorrow and feeling of abandonment by God, saying, 'O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out to you by day and by night' (Psalms 88:1). He feels that God has rejected him and that his life is filled with sorrow and pain (Psalms 88:3-7). Despite this, he still holds on to his faith and cries out to God for help, saying, 'But I, O Lord, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you' (Psalms 88:13). The chapter ends with the psalmist still feeling abandoned and sorrowful, but still holding on to his faith in God.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of poems and songs that express the emotions and experiences of the people of God. The chapter is likely written by Heman the Ezrahite, who is mentioned in the superscription (Psalms 88:1). The chapter is part of a larger section of psalms that deal with the theme of suffering and faith, and it is likely written during a time of great distress and suffering for the psalmist.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to be honest about our emotions and experiences, and to cry out to God in our times of need. It reminds us that faith in God is not about feeling good or having a easy life, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and love even in the midst of suffering and hardship. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own faith and to cry out to God for help in our times of need.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about a person who is feeling sad and alone, but is still trying to trust in God. The person is crying out to God for help and is being honest about their emotions. The chapter encourages us to be honest with God and to trust in Him even when things are hard. (Psalms 88:1, Psalms 88:13)
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist's cry is not a cry of despair, but a cry of faith. He is not giving up on God, but rather, he is giving himself to God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist's experience of suffering is not unique to him, but is something that all Christians will face at some point in their lives. It is how we respond to that suffering that matters.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Suffering (Psalms 88:1-2) — The psalmist introduces his experience of suffering and abandonment by God.
- The Experience of Suffering (Psalms 88:3-7) — The psalmist describes his experience of suffering and how it has affected him.
- The Cry for Help (Psalms 88:8-12) — The psalmist cries out to God for help in his time of need.
- The Expression of Faith (Psalms 88:13-14) — The psalmist expresses his faith in God despite his experience of suffering and abandonment.
- Conclusion (Psalms 88:15-18) — The psalmist concludes by expressing his ongoing experience of suffering and his continued faith in God.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including our experiences of suffering and hardship. (Psalms 88:6-7)
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the Christian life, especially in times of need. (Psalms 88:1, Psalms 88:13)
- The Nature of Faith
- The chapter shows that faith is not about feeling good or having an easy life, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and love even in the midst of suffering and hardship. (Psalms 88:13)
- The Problem of Evil
- The chapter raises the question of why God allows suffering and evil in the world, and how we are to respond to it. (Psalms 88:3-7)
Lessons from Psalms 88
- The Importance of Honesty — The psalmist's honesty about his emotions and experiences is a key aspect of the chapter. We can learn from his example by being honest with God and with others about our own struggles and doubts.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the Christian life, especially in times of need. We can learn from the psalmist's example by crying out to God in our own times of need.
- The Nature of Faith — The chapter shows that faith is not about feeling good or having an easy life, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and love even in the midst of suffering and hardship. We can learn from the psalmist's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and love in our own lives.
- The Problem of Evil — The chapter raises the question of why God allows suffering and evil in the world, and how we are to respond to it. We can learn from the psalmist's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and love even when we do not understand why things are happening.
- The Comfort of God's Presence — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's presence and comfort even in the midst of suffering and hardship. We can learn from the psalmist's example by seeking God's presence and comfort in our own lives.
Themes from Psalms 88
- Suffering and Faith — The chapter explores the theme of suffering and faith, and how they relate to each other. The psalmist's experience of suffering raises questions about God's presence and love, but ultimately leads him to trust in God's sovereignty and love.
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the Christian life, especially in times of need. The psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 88:13 is a key example of this.
- The Nature of Faith — The chapter shows that faith is not about feeling good or having an easy life, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and love even in the midst of suffering and hardship. The psalmist's faith is not shaken by his experience of suffering, but is instead strengthened by it.
- The Problem of Evil — The chapter raises the question of why God allows suffering and evil in the world, and how we are to respond to it. The psalmist's experience of suffering raises this question, but ultimately leads him to trust in God's sovereignty and love.
- The Comfort of God's Presence — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's presence and comfort even in the midst of suffering and hardship. The psalmist's experience of God's presence and comfort is a key aspect of the chapter, and is something that we can learn from.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you have experienced suffering or hardship in your life, and how have you responded to it?
- How does the psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 88:13 encourage you to pray to God in your times of need?
- What are some ways that you can express your faith in God despite experiencing suffering or hardship?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on the sovereignty of God comfort or challenge you in your own experiences of suffering?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and love even when things seem dark or uncertain?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Suffering (Psalms 88:1-2)
| 88:1 | The psalmist introduces his experience of suffering and abandonment by God, saying, 'O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out to you by day and by night.' |
| 88:2 | The psalmist says, 'Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry for help.' |
2. The Experience of Suffering (Psalms 88:3-7)
| 88:3 | The psalmist describes his experience of suffering, saying, 'For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.' |
| 88:4 | The psalmist says, 'I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength.' |
| 88:5 | The psalmist says, 'Like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, and they are cut off from your hand.' |
| 88:6 | The psalmist says, 'You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.' |
| 88:7 | The psalmist says, 'Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.' |
3. The Cry for Help (Psalms 88:8-12)
| 88:8 | The psalmist says, 'You have caused my friends to shun me; you have made me a horror to them.' |
| 88:9 | The psalmist says, 'I am shut in and cannot escape; my eye has grown dim through sorrow.' |
| 88:10 | The psalmist says, 'Lord, I have called out to you all day; I have stretched out my hands to you.' |
| 88:11 | The psalmist says, 'Will you work wonders for the dead? Shall the departed spirits rise and praise you?' |
| 88:12 | The psalmist says, 'Shall your steadfast love be declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon?' |
4. The Expression of Faith (Psalms 88:13-14)
| 88:13 | The psalmist says, 'But I, O Lord, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.' |
| 88:14 | The psalmist says, 'Why, O Lord, do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me?' |
5. Conclusion (Psalms 88:15-18)
| 88:15 | The psalmist says, 'From my youth I have been afflicted and close to death; I have suffered your terrors and am helpless.' |
| 88:16 | The psalmist says, 'Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me.' |
| 88:17 | The psalmist says, 'They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me from every side.' |
| 88:18 | The psalmist says, 'You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend.' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 88?
The main theme of Psalms 88 is the experience of suffering and how it affects one's faith in God. The psalmist expresses his deep sorrow and feeling of abandonment by God, yet still holds on to his faith.
How does the psalmist express his emotions in the chapter?
The psalmist expresses his emotions through his cry for help and his honest description of his experience of suffering. He says, 'O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out to you by day and by night' (Psalms 88:1).
What is the significance of the psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 88:13?
The psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 88:13 is significant because it shows his determination to hold on to his faith in God despite his experience of suffering. It highlights the importance of prayer in the Christian life, especially in times of need.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 88:1 → Job 19:7 | The psalmist's cry for help is similar to Job's cry for help in Job 19:7, where he says, 'Behold, I cry out, 'Violence!' but I am not answered; I call for help, but there is no justice.' |
| 2 | Psalms 88:3 → Psalms 38:4 | The psalmist's description of his experience of suffering is similar to the description in Psalms 38:4, where it says, 'For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear.' |
| 3 | Psalms 88:6 → Lamentations 3:55 | The psalmist's description of being in the lowest pit is similar to the description in Lamentations 3:55, where it says, 'I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.' |
| 4 | Psalms 88:8 → Job 19:13 | The psalmist's statement that his friends have shunned him is similar to Job's statement in Job 19:13, where he says, 'He has put my brothers far from me, and those who knew me are wholly estranged from me.' |
| 5 | Psalms 88:10 → Matthew 27:46 | The psalmist's cry for help is similar to Jesus' cry for help on the cross, where he says, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' |
| 6 | Psalms 88:13 → Philippians 4:6 | The psalmist's cry for help is similar to the encouragement in Philippians 4:6, where it says, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.' |
| 7 | Psalms 88:14 → Hebrews 5:7 | The psalmist's expression of faith is similar to Jesus' expression of faith in Hebrews 5:7, where it says, 'In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.' |
| 8 | Psalms 88:15 → Psalms 119:71 | The psalmist's statement that he has been afflicted from his youth is similar to the statement in Psalms 119:71, where it says, 'It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.' |
| 9 | Psalms 88:16 → Isaiah 28:2 | The psalmist's description of God's wrath is similar to the description in Isaiah 28:2, where it says, 'Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong; like a storm of hail, a destroying tempest, like a storm of mighty, overflowing waters, he will cast down to the earth with his hand.' |
| 10 | Psalms 88:18 → John 15:13 | The psalmist's statement that darkness is his closest friend is similar to Jesus' statement in John 15:13, where he says, 'Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.' |
Sermons on Psalms 88
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Messianic Psalms - Psalm 88 by Chip Brogden | In this video, Chip Brogdon continues his study in the book of Psalms, specifically focusing on the Messianic Psalms that prophesy about the Lord Jesus Christ and his kingdom. He b |
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He Destroyed the Grave by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos passionately preaches about the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing its profound significance and the mystery of God becoming man. He connects the resurrection to |
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The Valley Exalted, and the Mountain Laid Low by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the prophecy from Isaiah 40:4-5, emphasizing the figurative language of obstacles being removed for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He delves into the |
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For the Troubled by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the shepherd's duty to care for the troubled and sick among the flock, reminding believers that adversity is a common experience, even for the faithful. He |
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In the Beginning God by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the necessity of placing God at the forefront of our lives, encapsulated in the phrase 'In the beginning God.' He argues that without God, life lacks complet |
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The Sword of His Pure, Infinite, and Incensed Wrath by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound depth of God's wrath against sin, illustrated by the extreme suffering inflicted upon His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. He argues that while God |
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Exposition on Psalm 89 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the faithfulness of God's promises, despite the challenges faced by His people. He highlights the change brought by Christ's resurrection and the repro |
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Whether a Clergyman of the Church of England Be Now Bound to Have Morning and Evening Prayers Daily in His Parish Church. by J.H. Newman | Dean Comber emphasizes the importance of daily public prayers, highlighting the universal practice of setting aside time for divine worship in various cultures and religions. He ch |
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Psalm 88 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on Psalm 88, depicting the deep anguish and despair of the psalmist as he cries out to God in the midst of overwhelming troubles and the feeling of being abandon |
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Wonders Shown to the Dead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of Heman in Psalms 88, highlighting the deep soul struggles and the rare absence of hope in this particular Psalm. Unlike other Psalms, Hem |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 88
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 88 emphasizes the psalmist's honest expression of his emotions and his determination to hold on to his faith in God despite his experience of suffering. Henry notes that the psalmist's cry for help is a model for our own prayers, and that we should be honest with God about our emotions and experiences. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and love, even when we do not understand why things are happening. Henry encourages us to examine our own faith and to cry out to God for help in our times of need, just as the psalmist does in Psalms 88:13. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The psalmist's emotional honesty
The psalmist is brutally honest about his emotions and experiences, which is a key aspect of the chapter. He expresses his sorrow, anger, and desperation, which makes the chapter feel raw and relatable.
The importance of prayer
The psalmist's prayer is a key aspect of the chapter, as he cries out to God for help in his time of need. This highlights the importance of prayer in the Christian life.
The tension between faith and experience
The chapter highlights the tension between the psalmist's faith in God and his experience of suffering and abandonment. This is a common theme in the Bible and is something that many Christians can relate to.