Psalms
Psalms 88
A song of a psalm by the sons of Korah. For the end, concerning Mahalath for response. For understanding, by Heman the Israelite.
1 Lord God of my rescue, I cried out by day and before you at night.
2 Let my prayer enter your presence; incline your ear to my plea, Lord.
3 My soul was filled with evils, and my life drew near Hades.
4 I was counted with those who descend into a pit; I became like a helpless person, free among the dead,
5 like wounded people thrown away and sleeping in a tomb, whom you no longer remembered and who were rejected from your hand.
6 They placed me in the lowest pit, in dark places and in death’s shadow.
7 Your wrath rested heavily upon me, and you brought all your surging waters over me. Pause.
8 You removed my acquaintances far from me; they made me detestable to themselves. I was handed over and could not go out.
9 My eyes grew weak from poverty. I cried out to you all day, Lord; I spread my hands toward you.
10 Will you perform wonderful things for the dead? Will physicians raise them so that they give thanks to you?
11 Will anyone recount your mercy in a tomb or your truth in destruction?
12 Will your wonderful works be known in darkness or your righteousness in a forgotten land?
13 But I cried out to you, Lord, and my prayer will come before you in the morning.
14 Why, Lord, do you reject my soul and turn your face away from me?
15 I have been poor and in hardship from my youth; after being exalted, I was humbled and left in despair.
16 Your anger passed over me, and your terrors greatly troubled me.
17 They surrounded me like water all day; together they enclosed me.
18 You removed friend and neighbor far from me, and my acquaintances because of my misery.