Psalm 88

 


Psalm 88 is another song of the Sons of Korah.  Heman was likely the Kohathite who, listed with Asaph and Jeduthun in 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 5:12, was a worship leader. This is considered one of the darkest psalms.  It is a prayer from a troubled lonely soul in the midst of deepest despair crying out to God from the pit of death, having experienced the wrath of God due to his sins.  This psalm uncharacteristically does not end in praise.  So the psalmist is still in darkness waiting for the light of hope yet to come, praying "day and night" in faith.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 1-18
    • When are times I may feel like my troubles keep crashing onto me like continuous and overwhelming ocean "waves" (v. 7)?
    • During times of deepest darkness, even when I feel like I have not received any answers, why should I continue to seek God in prayer (verses 1,2,9,&13)?
    • In church tradition, this psalm has been read on Good Friday along with Psalm 22.  When reading this psalm in view of Christ's suffering and death on the cross, what is my response?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "Psalm 88:1-7" by Corner Room Music: Link
  • "Psalm 88:8-18" by Corner Room Music: Link


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