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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Psalm 88

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The Book of Psalms

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

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 JF & B for Ps 5:1, JF & B for Ps 22:1, and JF & B for Ps 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 JF & B for Ps 42:1 and JF & B for Ps 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on JF & B for Ps 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 ).

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