Why, O LORD, do You reject me?
This phrase reflects a deep sense of abandonment and distress. The psalmist is expressing a feeling of being forsaken by God, which is a common theme in the Psalms, particularly in laments. This sentiment is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 22:1, where David cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This feeling of rejection can be understood in the context of Israel's history, where periods of exile and suffering often led to a sense of divine abandonment. Theologically, this phrase can be seen as a precursor to the suffering of Christ, who also experienced a sense of abandonment on the cross (Matthew 27:46). The psalmist's cry is a raw and honest expression of human emotion, highlighting the struggle to understand God's presence in times of trouble.

Why do You hide Your face from me?
The concept of God hiding His face is a metaphor for the withdrawal of His favor and presence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the face of a deity was associated with blessing and protection. When God "hides His face," it signifies a removal of His protective presence, leading to distress and vulnerability. This imagery is found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 31:17-18, where God warns Israel that He will hide His face if they turn to other gods. Theologically, this phrase can be connected to the idea of divine discipline, where God allows His people to experience the consequences of their actions to bring them back to repentance. In the New Testament, the concept of God hiding His face is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who restores the relationship between God and humanity, ensuring that believers will never be truly forsaken (Hebrews 13:5).

1. The Psalmist (Heman the Ezrahite)
The author of Psalm 88, traditionally identified as Heman the Ezrahite, a wise man and a musician in the time of King David or Solomon. He is known for his deep lament and expression of despair in this psalm.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God used in the Old Testament, representing His eternal and unchanging nature. The psalmist addresses his lament directly to Yahweh, indicating a personal relationship.

3. The Place of Despair
While not a physical location, the psalmist describes a spiritual and emotional state of deep distress and feeling of abandonment by God.The Reality of Spiritual Despair
Even the faithful can experience times of deep spiritual despair and feel abandoned by God. This is a normal part of the human experience and is reflected in the lives of many biblical figures.

Honesty in Prayer
The psalmist's raw honesty in expressing his feelings to God teaches us that we can bring our deepest emotions and questions to God in prayer.

God's Silence is Not Absence
While the psalmist feels rejected, the very act of addressing God shows a belief that God is still present and listening, even in silence.

The Importance of Perseverance
Despite feeling abandoned, the psalmist continues to cry out to God, demonstrating perseverance in faith even when answers are not immediate.

Hope Beyond Despair
While Psalm 88 ends without resolution, it is part of the larger biblical account that points to God's ultimate faithfulness and redemption.(14) Castest thou off.--The idea is that of throwing away something with loathing. (Comp. Psalm 43:2.)

Verse 14. - Lord, why cutest thou off my soul? The psalmist speaks here, like Job, as one aggrieved. What has he done to be "cast off"? He is evidently not aware of having sinned any grievous sin, and does not understand why he is visited with such grievous sufferings. Why hidest thou thy face from me? Perhaps it is his insensibility, his unconsciousness of real sins and shortcomings, that has drawn down upon the psalmist his chastisement.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Why,
לָמָ֣ה (lā·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

O LORD,
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

do You reject
תִּזְנַ֣ח (tiz·naḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2186: Reject, forsake, fail

me?
נַפְשִׁ֑י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

Why do You hide
תַּסְתִּ֖יר (tas·tîr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5641: To hide, conceal

Your face
פָּנֶ֣יךָ (pā·ne·ḵā)
Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

from me?
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


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OT Poetry: Psalm 88:14 Yahweh why do you reject my soul? (Psalm Ps Psa.)