Psalms 88

A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah (Qorach), to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.

1 O יהוה God (Elohim) of my salvation, I have cried day and night before You;

2 Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear unto my cry;

3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth near unto the grave (sheol).

4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am as a man that hath no strength;

5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom You rememberest no more: and they are cut off from Your hand.

6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

7 Your wrath lieth hard upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah.

8 You have put away mine acquaintance far from me; You have made me an abomination unto them; I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction. יהוה, I have called daily upon You, I have stretched out my hands unto You.

10 Wilt You shew wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah.

11 Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in destruction?

12 Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But unto You have I cried, O יהוה; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent You.

14 יהוה, why castest You off my soul? Why hidest You Your face from me?

15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up; while I suffer Your terrors I am distracted.

16 Your fierce wrath goeth over me; Your terrors have cut me off.

17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.

18 Loved one and friend have You put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.