Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 88

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.

3. grave--literally, "hell" (Psa 16:10), death in wide sense.

4. go ... pit--of destruction (Psa 28:1). as a man--literally, "a stout man," whose strength is utterly gone.

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.

6. Similar figures for distress in Psa 63:9; 69:3.

7. Compare Psa 38:2, on first, and Psa 42:7, on last clause.

8. Both cut off from sympathy and made hateful to friends (Psa 31:11).

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).

10. shall the dead--the remains of ghosts. arise--literally, "rise up," that is, as dead persons.

11-12. amplify the foregoing, the whole purport (as Psa 6:5) being to contrast death and life as seasons for praising God.

13. prevent--meet--that is, he will diligently come before God for help (Psa 18:41).

14. On the terms (Psa 27:9; 74:1; 77:7).

15. from ... youth up--all my life.

16-17. the extremes of anguish and despair are depicted.

18. into darkness--Better omit "into"--"mine acquaintances (are) darkness," the gloom of death, &c. (Job 17:13, 14).