Psalms 88 - Printer Friendly

Scripture often records blunt statements about human pain. Many convey open frustration about how God has reacted to their situation (Psalm 73:2–3; Habakkuk 1:2–4). Almost all end with resolve or reassurance (Psalm 73:15–18; Habakkuk 3:17–19). Psalm 88, however, only expresses the psalmist's angst. This psalm is credited both to the Sons of Korah—a group of temple musicians—and to someone named Heman. This may be the same person mentioned in other passages (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 2:6). The word ezrāh literally means "native," so some suggest Heman the Ezrahite was of Canaanite ancestry.

Heman's description of his condition is dire. He feels near to death; in fact, he might as well be dead, buried, and forgotten. This comes with a sense that the Lord has turned on him in anger. This feeling of God's wrath is overwhelming, like drowning in rough seas. To make matters worse, close friends have abandoned the psalmist. He feels trapped and hopeless under what seems like the Lord's vicious punishment (Psalm 88:1–9).

Part of the psalmist's frustration is his belief that the dead cannot praise God (Psalm 6:5). The appeal challenges God by pointing out that the psalmist's death would stop him from worship (Psalm 88:10–12).

During this experience, the psalmist feels crushed and flooded, as if under siege. He feels abandoned by the Lord, as if God is discarding him and only sending attacks. Even the psalmist's relatives and trusted friends have turned on him. The final phrase of the psalm can be interpreted to mean that the only remaining friend is darkness, itself (Psalm 88:13–18).

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.

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.

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.

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.