Psalm 88

1 LORD, God of my salvation, by day and by night I cry out before you.ISV — Psalm 88:1

2 Let my prayer come before you; listen ^{b88:2 Lit. stretch your ears} to my cry.ISV — Psalm 88:2

3 For my life is filled with troubles as I approach Sheol. ^{c88:3 i.e. the realm of the dead}ISV — Psalm 88:3

4 I am considered as one of those descending into the Pit, ^{d88:4 i.e. the place of punishment in the afterlife} like a mighty man without strength,ISV — Psalm 88:4

5 released to remain ^{e88:5 The Heb. lacks to remain} with the dead, lying in a grave like a corpse, remembered no longer, and cut off from your power.ISV — Psalm 88:5

6 You have assigned me to the lowest part of the Pit, ^{f88:6 i.e. the place of punishment in the afterlife} to the darkest depths.ISV — Psalm 88:6

7 Your anger lies heavily upon me; you pound ^{g88:7 Lit. oppress} me with all your waves. InterludeISV — Psalm 88:7

8 You caused my acquaintances to shun me; ^{h88:8 Lit. to be distant} you make me extremely abhorrent to them. Restrained, I am unable to go out.ISV — Psalm 88:8

9 My eyes languish on account of my affliction; all day long I call out to you, LORD, I spread out my hands to you.ISV — Psalm 88:9

10 Can you perform wonders for the dead? Can departed spirits stand up to praise you? InterludeISV — Psalm 88:10

11 Can your gracious love be declared in the grave or your faithfulness in Abaddon? ^{i88:11 i.e. the realm of destruction in the afterlife}ISV — Psalm 88:11

12 Can your awesome deeds be known in darkness or your righteousness in the land of oblivion?ISV — Psalm 88:12

13 As for me, I cry out to you LORD, and in the morning my prayer greets you.ISV — Psalm 88:13

14 Why, LORD, have you rejected me? Why have you hidden your face from me?ISV — Psalm 88:14

15 Since my youth I have been oppressed and in danger of death. I bear your dread and am overwhelmed.ISV — Psalm 88:15

16 Your burning anger overwhelms me; your terrors destroy me.ISV — Psalm 88:16

17 Like waters, they engulf me all day long; they surround me on all sides.ISV — Psalm 88:17

18 You caused my friend and neighbor to shun me; ^{j88:18 Lit. be distant from} and my acquaintances are confused. ^{k88:18 Lit. are in darkness}ISV — Psalm 88:18