Chapter 88

  Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.  

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  Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry.  

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  For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol.  

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  I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a man who has no help,  

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  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.  

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  You have laid me in the lowest pit, In the darkest depths.  

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  Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah.  

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  You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can't escape.  

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  My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. I have spread out my hands to you.  

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  Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Selah.  

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  Is your lovingkindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction?  

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  Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?  

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  But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.  

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  Yahweh, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me?  

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  I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.  

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  Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off.  

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  They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.  

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  You have put lover and friend far from me, And my friends into darkness. Psalm 89 A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite.  

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