Psalms 88 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2–3PSALM 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 Psa 5:1 , Psa 22:1 , and Psa 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 Psa 42:1 and Psa 32:1 . Heman and Ethan (see on Psa 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 .
43. grave-- literally, "hell" ( Psa 16:10 ), death in wide sense.
54. go ... pit-- of destruction ( Psa 28:1 ). as a man-- literally, "a stout man," whose strength is utterly gone.
65. 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.
76. Similar figures for distress in Psa 63:9 ; 69:3 .
87. Compare Psa 38:2 , on first, and Psa 42:7 , on last clause.
98. Both cut off from sympathy and made hateful to friends ( Psa 31:11 ).
109. 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 ).
1110. shall the dead-- the remains of ghosts. arise-- literally, "rise up," that is, as dead persons.
12–1311-12. amplify the foregoing, the whole purport (as Psa 6:5 ) being to contrast death and life as seasons for praising God.
1413. prevent-- meet--that is, he will diligently come before God for help ( Psa 18:41 ).
1514. On the terms ( Psa 27:9 ; 74:1 ; 77:7 ).
1615. from ... youth up-- all my life.
17–1816-17. the extremes of anguish and despair are depicted.