Psalm 88: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 88 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist cries out to Yahweh, asking that his prayer reach His presence and pleading for attention (vv. 1-2). He expresses that his soul is full of troubles and feels close to death, identifying himself with those in the pit (vv.

Key verse

“But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.”
Psalms 88:13 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 88:1–2 A Cry for Help
Psalm 88:3–5 Deep Affliction
Psalm 88:6–8 Descent into Darkness
Psalm 88:9–12 Questioning God's Presence
Psalm 88:13–15 Continued Plea for Attention
Psalm 88:16–18 Overwhelming Terror and Isolation

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the psalmist mean by calling Yahweh 'the God of my salvation'?
What does the phrase 'darkest depths' in v6 suggest about the psalmist's condition?
The question in vv. 10-12 about the dead: what theological implications does it raise about God's actions?
In v14, why does the psalmist feel that God is hiding His face from him?
When have you felt like you were in 'the lowest pit' (v6) with no way out?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 88: Psalm 31, Psalm 5, Psalm 6.

Before next time: read Psalm 89.