Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 88
Upon Mahalath—either an instrument, as a lute, to be used as an accompaniment (Leannoth, "for singing") or, as others think, an enigmatic title (see on JFB for Psa 5:1, JFB for Psa 22:1, and JFB for Psa 45:1, titles), denoting the subject—that is, "sickness or disease, for humbling," the idea of spiritual maladies being often represented by disease (compare Psa 6:5-6; 22:14-15, etc.). On the other terms, see on JFB for Psa 42:1 and JFB for Psa 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on JFB for Psa 89:1, title) were David's singers (1Ch 6:18, 33; 15:17), of the family of Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6), they were probably adopted into the tribe of Judah. Though called a song, which usually implies joy (Psa 83:1), both the style and matter of the Psalm are very despondent; yet the appeals to God evince faith, and we may suppose that the word "song" might be extended to such compositions.
1, 2. Compare on the terms used, Psa 22:2; 31:2.
3. grave—literally, "hell" (Psa 16:10), death in wide sense.
4. go...pit—of destruction (Psa 28:1).
as a man—literally, "a stout man," whose strength is utterly gone.
5. Free...dead—Cut off from God's care, as are the slain, who, falling under His wrath, are left, no longer sustained by His hand.
6. Similar figures for distress in Psa 63:9; 69:3.
7. Compare Psa 38:2, on first, and Psa 42:7, on last clause.
8. Both cut off from sympathy and made hateful to friends (Psa 31:11).
9. Mine eye mourneth—literally, "decays," or fails, denoting exhaustion (Psa 6:7; 31:9).
I...called— (Psa 86:5, 7).
stretched out—for help (Psa 44:20).
10. shall the dead—the remains of ghosts.
arise—literally, "rise up," that is, as dead persons.
11, 12. amplify the foregoing, the whole purport (as Psa 6:5) being to contrast death and life as seasons for praising God.
13. prevent—meet—that is, he will diligently come before God for help (Psa 18:41).
14. On the terms (Psa 27:9; 74:1; 77:7).
15. from...youth up—all my life.
16, 17. the extremes of anguish and despair are depicted.
18. into darkness—Better omit "into"—"mine acquaintances (are) darkness," the gloom of death, etc. (Job 17:13-14).