Psalm 88:1-9

Psalm 88In Hebrew texts 88:1-18 is numbered 88:2-19. 1A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to mahalath leannoth. Title: Possibly a tune, “The Suffering of Affliction” A maskil Title: Probably a literary or musical term of Heman the Ezrahite. LORD, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.

2May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.

3I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death.

4I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength.

5I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care.

6You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.

7Your wrath lies heavily on me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.

8You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape;

9my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.