For my soul is full of troubles
This phrase reflects a deep sense of anguish and distress. The psalmist expresses an overwhelming burden, which is a common theme in the Psalms, where individuals cry out to God in times of despair. The soul, in Hebrew thought, encompasses the entire being, indicating that the troubles are not just emotional but affect the whole person. This mirrors the human condition of suffering and the need for divine intervention. The troubles could be personal, communal, or even national, reflecting the historical context of Israel's struggles. This phrase resonates with other biblical passages where individuals express their burdens, such as Job's lament (Job 3:24-26) and Jeremiah's confessions (Jeremiah 20:18).

and my life draws near to Sheol
Sheol in ancient Hebrew culture is understood as the realm of the dead, a shadowy place where the departed reside. It is not equivalent to the later Christian concept of hell but rather a place of silence and separation from the living. The psalmist's mention of Sheol indicates a proximity to death, either physically or metaphorically, suggesting a state of hopelessness. This reflects the human fear of death and the unknown, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who in His humanity experienced deep sorrow and faced death, ultimately conquering it through His resurrection. The connection to Sheol is echoed in other scriptures, such as Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:2) and the lamentations of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:10).

1. The Psalmist (Heman the Ezrahite)
The author of Psalm 88, traditionally identified as Heman the Ezrahite, is known for his wisdom and musical contributions to the temple worship. He is a figure associated with the sons of Korah, a group of temple musicians.

2. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence. It is often depicted as a shadowy existence, distinct from the vibrant life experienced in the presence of God.

3. The Psalm's Context
Psalm 88 is a lament, one of the most somber and despairing in the Psalter. It reflects a deep sense of abandonment and unrelenting suffering, with the psalmist crying out to God from a place of profound distress.Understanding Deep Suffering
The psalmist's expression of a soul "full of troubles" invites believers to acknowledge and validate the reality of deep emotional and spiritual suffering. It is a reminder that such experiences are part of the human condition and are present in the biblical account.

The Reality of Sheol
Sheol represents the ultimate separation from life and God. The psalmist's proximity to Sheol underscores the urgency of seeking God's presence and intervention in times of despair.

Crying Out to God
Despite the overwhelming sense of abandonment, the psalmist continues to cry out to God. This teaches the importance of maintaining communication with God, even when He seems distant.

Hope in Despair
While Psalm 88 does not resolve with a note of hope, its inclusion in Scripture suggests that God is present even in our darkest moments. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness, even when it is not immediately apparent.

Community Support
The communal nature of the Psalms reminds us of the importance of seeking support from fellow believers during times of distress. Sharing burdens within the community of faith can provide comfort and strength.(3) Grave.--Sheol. Here, as in Psalm 6:4-5; Psalm 33:19; Isaiah 38:10-11, there comes into prominence the thought that death severs the covenant relation with God, and so presents an irresistible reason why prayer should be heard now before it is too late.

Verse 3. - For my soul is full of troubles (see Job 10:15). And my life draweth nigh unto the grave; literally, unto Sheol - the place of departed spirits (comp. Job 10:21, 22).

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

my soul
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

is full
שָֽׂבְעָ֣ה (śā·ḇə·‘āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7646: To be sated, satisfied or surfeited

of troubles,
בְרָע֣וֹת (ḇə·rā·‘ō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

and my life
וְחַיַּ֗י (wə·ḥay·yay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

draws near
הִגִּֽיעוּ׃ (hig·gî·‘ū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

to Sheol.
לִשְׁא֥וֹל (liš·’ō·wl)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7585: Underworld (place to which people descend at death)


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OT Poetry: Psalm 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles (Psalm Ps Psa.)