1(88-1) A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Leader; upon Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (88-2) O LORD, God of my salvation, what time I cry in the night before Thee,

2(88-3) Let my prayer come before Thee, incline Thine ear unto my cry.

3(88-4) For my soul is sated with troubles, and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

4(88-5) I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man that hath no help;

5(88-6) Set apart among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more; and they are cut off from Thy hand.

6(88-7) Thou hast laid me in the nethermost pit, in dark places, in the deeps.

7(88-8) Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and all Thy waves Thou pressest down. Selah

8(88-9) Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me; Thou hast made me an abomination unto them; I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

9(88-10) Mine eye languisheth by reason of affliction; I have called upon Thee, O LORD, every day, I have spread forth my hands unto Thee.

10(88-11) Wilt Thou work wonders for the dead? Or shall the shades arise and give Thee thanks? Selah

11(88-12) Shall Thy mercy be declared in the grave? or Thy faithfulness in destruction?

12(88-13) Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark? and Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13(88-14) But as for me, unto Thee, O LORD, do I cry, and in the morning doth my prayer come to meet Thee.

14(88-15) LORD, why castest Thou off my soul? Why hidest Thou Thy face from me?

15(88-16) I am afflicted and at the point of death from my youth up; I have borne Thy terrors, I am distracted.

16(88-17) Thy fierce wrath is gone over me; Thy terrors have cut me off.

17(88-18) They came round about me like water all the day; they compassed me about together.

18(88-19) Friend and companion hast Thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.