1 <A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. > LORD, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you. NHEB — Psalm 88:1
2 Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry. NHEB — Psalm 88:2
3 For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol. NHEB — Psalm 88:3
4 I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a man who has no help, NHEB — Psalm 88:4
5 set apart among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more. They are cut off from your hand. NHEB — Psalm 88:5
6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. NHEB — Psalm 88:6
7 Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah. NHEB — Psalm 88:7
8 You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can't escape. NHEB — Psalm 88:8
9 My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, LORD. I have spread out my hands to you. NHEB — Psalm 88:9
10 Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Selah. NHEB — Psalm 88:10
11 Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction? NHEB — Psalm 88:11
12 Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? NHEB — Psalm 88:12
13 But to you, LORD, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you. NHEB — Psalm 88:13
14 LORD, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me? NHEB — Psalm 88:14
15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted. NHEB — Psalm 88:15
16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off. NHEB — Psalm 88:16
17 They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me. NHEB — Psalm 88:17
18 You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness. NHEB — Psalm 88:18