Psalms 88

1 A Song, a Psalm, by sons of Korah, to the Overseer, 'Concerning the Sickness of Afflictions.' — An instruction, by Heman the Ezrahite. O Jehovah, God of my salvation, Daily I have cried, nightly before Thee,⋮

2 My prayer cometh in before Thee, Incline Thine ear to my loud cry,⋮

3 For my soul hath been full of evils, And my life hath come to Sheol.⋮

4 I have been reckoned with those going down to the pit, I have been as a man without strength.⋮

5 Among the dead — free, As pierced ones lying in the grave, Whom Thou hast not remembered any more, Yea, they by Thy hand have been cut off.⋮

6 Thou hast put me in the lowest pit, In dark places, in depths.⋮

7 Upon me hath Thy fury lain, And with all Thy breakers Thou hast afflicted. Selah.⋮

8 Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me, Thou hast made me an abomination to them, Shut up — I go not forth.⋮

9 Mine eye hath grieved because of affliction, I called Thee, O Jehovah, all the day, I have spread out unto Thee my hands.⋮

10 To the dead dost Thou do wonders? Do Rephaim rise? do they thank Thee? Selah.⋮

11 Is Thy kindness recounted in the grave? Thy faithfulness in destruction?⋮

12 Are Thy wonders known in the darkness? And Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?⋮

13 And I, unto Thee, O Jehovah, I have cried, And in the morning doth my prayer come before Thee.⋮

14 Why, O Jehovah, castest Thou off my soul? Thou hidest Thy face from me.⋮

15 I am afflicted, and expiring from youth, I have borne Thy terrors — I pine away.⋮

16 Over me hath Thy wrath passed, Thy terrors have cut me off,⋮

17 They have surrounded me as waters all the day, They have gone round against me together,⋮

18 Thou hast put far from me lover and friend, Mine acquaintance is the place of darkness!⋮