Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 88

A Cry from Deep DistressThis psalm is written by Heman, who was known for his wisdom and served as a singer in the temple. Although he comforted others, in this psalm he finds no comfort for himself except in the very first lines where he calls God the God of his salvation. The rest of the psalm is filled with sorrow and trouble. Heman prays constantly, even though his pain remains. He teaches us that even in the darkest times, we can turn to God in prayer, trusting Him for salvation.v. 1: Heman begins, O Lord

v. 2: He asks God to listen to his prayer. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry . Heman is not looking for attention from people, but only from God. He wants God to accept and hear his prayer.

v. 3: Heman shares his deep pain. For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near the grave . His heart is heavy, and he feels close to death—just like Jesus felt deep sorrow before the cross (Matthew 26:38 ).

v. 4: He feels weak and alone. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength . Heman thinks of himself as nearly dead, powerless, and forgotten.

v. 5: He says, Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, and who are cut off from your hand . He feels buried and beyond hope, as if God no longer cares for him. This shows how deep his sadness is.

v. 6: He continues, You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths . Heman feels trapped and hopeless, like he is in a deep, dark hole with no way out.

v. 7: He complains about God's anger. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you have afflicted me with all your waves . He feels crushed by trouble after trouble, as if God’s anger keeps coming like powerful waves.

v. 8: Another part of his pain is being left alone. You have put away my acquaintances far from me; you have made me an abomination to them . His friends have left him, and he feels hated. This makes his suffering even worse (Job 19:13 ).

v. 9: He says, My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord

Pleading with GodIn this part of the psalm, the writer argues with God about his suffering and continues to pray even when there seems to be no answer. He asks important questions about life, death, and God’s mercy. He shows us that it is okay to be honest with God about our pain and confusion, and to keep praying even when life feels hopeless.v. 10: The psalmist asks God, Will you work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise you? . He wonders if God will do miracles for someone who is already dead, or if the dead can praise God. He feels that only the living can show gratitude and give thanks to God.

v. 11: He continues, Shall your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in the place of destruction? . He asks if God’s kindness and faithfulness can be known or spoken about by those who are dead and buried. He feels that the grave is a place where God’s blessings can no longer be enjoyed or told to others.

v. 12: The psalmist asks, Shall your wonders be known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? . He means that once in the grave, people cannot see God’s miracles or talk about His goodness. He uses these questions to urge God to help him quickly, before it is too late.

v. 13: Even though he feels hopeless, he says, Lord

v. 14: He asks God, Lord

v. 15: He describes his pain: I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth up; I suffer your terrors; I am distraught . He explains that he has suffered for a long time, even since he was young. God’s terrors have made him feel overwhelmed and almost out of his mind.

v. 16: He says, Your fierce wrath has gone over me; your terrors have cut me off . He feels surrounded by God’s anger, with no escape, as if he is being drowned by troubles.

v. 17: They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether . He describes how his troubles come over him like a flood, with no rest or relief, day after day.

v. 18: He finishes by saying, Lover and friend you have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness (Psalm 88:18 ). He is left completely alone, without friends or comfort. Even the people he cared about are gone. This is the final and deepest part of his sorrow.