Psalm 88/Overview/Introduction
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Author
- The sons of Korah; Heman the Ezrahite
Book
- Book 3 of the Psalter (Chapters 73–89)
Psalm 88 in a Nutshell
- “YHWH, God of my salvation, I have been crying out day and night before you. I am like the slain who are lying in the tomb, whom you do not remember anymore.” Many powerful Psalms are laments, songs that cry out to God about pain and suffering. The psalmist expresses frustration and anger about difficult or unjust situations and asks where God is, and if God even remembers him.
- Psalm 88 is a powerful lament, especially because, unlike in many laments, the psalm does not end with God responding. The psalmist closes the song still under heavy affliction, without hearing from God about salvation or an end to the suffering. The power of the psalm is in why the psalmist no longer fears death, even while the suffering continues.
“Among the Dead” This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.
- There are two separate sections about death in this psalm, one in v. 6 and the other in vv. 11-13. In these sections, the psalmist does not even mention himself or what he suffers. The topic is the world of the dead and what they, the dead, suffer. There is no life in the world of the dead and YHWH is not present there. The poem does not mention YHWH’s name even one time in these two sections. When this happens in Hebrew poetry, it communicates that the poet feels like God is not with him.
- He feels like he is in the world of the dead, "Among the Dead", far away from life and God.
Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.
- To lament the psalmist's suffering at God's hands.
Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.
- Because you are afflicting me, YHWH, I am dying. Save me! Even if you do not, I will keep praying.
Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.
- Even without knowing the reason for his ongoing suffering, the psalmist will continue to pray.