What does Psalm 88:10 mean?
ESV: Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
NIV: Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise you?
NASB: Will You perform wonders for the dead? Or will the departed spirits rise and praise You? Selah
CSB: Do you work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise you? Selah
NLT: Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Interlude
KJV: Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
NKJV: Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 88:10–18 turns to examine God's nature and appeal for His intervention. Because of this intense suffering, the psalmist feels that the Lord is purposefully punishing him. The psalm provides an emotional expression of frustration and despair; these are often a human reaction to deep misery. Unlike other psalms, this song does not end on a positive note. The psalmist's sense of pain and longing for rescue stand alone.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist uses a variety of phrases to express deep despair and anguish. He is considered as good as dead, like someone already buried and forgotten by others. The impression that God is judging him is like drowning in an ocean. Even close friends are absent. The psalmist claims he cannot praise or worship God if he dies.
Chapter Context:
This is considered one of the darkest passages in Scripture. Most psalms which express deep pain resolve into statements of assurance (Psalm 3; 74; 142). Yet Psalm 88 only records the psalmist's angst and frustration; there is no suggested resolution. Scripture acknowledges the struggles faced by imperfect people in an imperfect world (Habakkuk 1:2–4) and that the Lord can hear even our frustrated prayers (Romans 8:26). Little else is known about this Heman, though he may be the same mentioned in other Scriptures (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 2:6). Psalm 88 is the last associated with the Sons of Korah.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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