Psalm 88:5

I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care.

Study Bible

I am counted among those who descend to the Pit
I am counted
The phrase "I am counted" suggests a sense of being numbered or included among a particular group. In the Hebrew, the word used here is "chashab," which means to think, account, or reckon. This implies a deliberate consideration or judgment. The psalmist feels as though he is being deliberately grouped with those who are in a dire state. This reflects a deep sense of despair and alienation, as if he is being unjustly categorized with those who are beyond hope. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a cry for recognition and understanding from God, a plea to be seen as an individual rather than just another face in the crowd of the suffering.

among those who descend
The phrase "among those who descend" indicates a movement towards a lower place, both physically and metaphorically. The Hebrew word "yarad" is used here, which means to go down, descend, or sink. This descent can be seen as a metaphor for falling into despair or being overwhelmed by life's burdens. Historically, descending often referred to going down into Sheol, the abode of the dead, which was perceived as a place of darkness and separation from God. The psalmist feels as though he is on a downward trajectory, moving away from the light and presence of God, which is a powerful image of spiritual and emotional decline.

to the Pit
The "Pit" is a term often used in the Old Testament to describe Sheol, the grave, or a place of destruction. The Hebrew word "bor" is used here, which can mean a pit, cistern, or dungeon. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the pit was a place of confinement and hopelessness, often associated with death and the underworld. Theologically, it represents the ultimate separation from God, a place where one feels forgotten and forsaken. The psalmist's reference to the Pit underscores his feeling of being trapped in a situation with no escape, highlighting the depth of his despair and his urgent need for divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist (Heman the Ezrahite)
The author of Psalm 88, traditionally identified as Heman the Ezrahite, is expressing deep anguish and a sense of abandonment by God.

2. The Dead
Refers to those who have passed away, symbolizing a state of separation and forgottenness, both physically and spiritually.

3. The Grave (Sheol)
In Hebrew, "Sheol" is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living and, metaphorically, from God.

4. God's Care
The psalmist feels cut off from God's providence and attention, highlighting a perceived absence of divine intervention.

5. The Slain
Represents those who have died violently or prematurely, emphasizing the psalmist's feeling of being spiritually "slain" or defeated.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Despair
Acknowledge that even faithful believers can experience profound despair and feelings of abandonment.

The Importance of Lament
Lament is a valid and biblical way to express our deepest emotions to God, serving as a form of prayer and communication.

God's Presence in Silence
Even when God seems silent, He is present. Our feelings of being "cut off" do not equate to actual separation from His love.

Hope Beyond the Grave
While the psalmist feels forgotten, the New Testament assures us of eternal life and remembrance in Christ.

Community Support
Encourage believers to support one another in times of spiritual darkness, reflecting God's care through the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the psalmist's expression of feeling "forsaken among the dead" resonate with your own experiences of spiritual or emotional darkness?

2. In what ways can the practice of lament, as seen in Psalm 88, be incorporated into your personal prayer life?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Romans 8, provide a counterbalance to the despair expressed in Psalm 88?

4. What role can the Christian community play in supporting individuals who feel "cut off" from God's care?

5. How can the assurance of eternal life in Christ transform our understanding of being "remembered" by God, even in times of deep despair?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 22
This psalm also expresses feelings of abandonment and distress, yet it transitions into trust and hope in God, providing a contrast to the unrelieved lament of Psalm 88.

Job 3
Job's lament over his suffering and desire for death parallels the deep despair expressed in Psalm 88, highlighting the universal human experience of suffering.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant is described as "cut off from the land of the living," which resonates with the psalmist's feeling of being cut off from God's care.

Romans 8
Offers a counterpoint by affirming that nothing can separate us from the love of God, providing hope and assurance in contrast to the psalmist's despair.