Psalms 88

A Song] See the Observations on Psal. XLVIII.title.

Mahalath] A kinde of winde-instrument, Psal. LIII.

Leannoth] May either make up the name of the Instrument; or may seeme to signifie to sing by turnes or courses, as Exod. XV. 21. Ezra. III 11.

Heman] The next Psalm is of Ethan. These were sacred Singers and Musitians, descended of Levi, 1 Chron. XV. 17, 19. and XVI. 41, 42. and VI. 44. Of Heman, see 1 Chron. XXV. 1. 4,—7. He was of the posterity of rebellious Korah, and grandchilde of Samuel the Prophet, 1 Chron. VI. 33. and himself King Davids Seer, 1 Chron. XXV. 5. There were two brethren, Heman, and Ethan, of the posterity of Judah, 1 Chron. II. 6. men renowned for their wisdome, 1 King. IV. 31.

This Psalm is one of the most doleful of all the Bible: And may serve as a set forme of a sad complaint to any man in his greatest distresse. Some make application of it to Christ in his Sufferings.

Psalms 88:5

free among the dead] Psal. XXXI. 12. Job. III. 18, 19.

Psalms 88:8

I am shut up] As a close prisoner in the Dungeon of sorrowes, and distresses.

Psalms 88:10

wilt thou] Psal. VI. 5. and XXX. 9. & CXV. 17. Esay XXXVIII. 18.

Psalms 88:13

Prevent thee] Psal. V. 3. Hab. II. 1.

Psalms 88:18

into darknesse] That they hide themselves from me, none will appear to my releif; by reason of the darknesse wherein I am, buried as it were in the black Dungeon of calamities.