Gloomiest Psalm

[Ps. 88:3] For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. [7] Thy wrath lieth hard upon me,… [15] I am afflicted and ready to die… [16] Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off. A song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. Though the psalm was written for the sons of Korah, its auther was Herman. He was appointed along with Asaph and Ethan to sound cymbals (1 Chron. 15:19) in the processional for bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Ps. 88 was delivered to the chief Musician, Chenaniah (1 Chron. 15:22), who instructed the psalm to be played upon ‘Mahalath, a term meaning ‘sickness’ or ‘forgiveness’. Meiri identifes Mahalath as a special musical instrument that moves the listener to anguish and tears. Leannoth means ‘afflicted.’ Its music served to afflict and upset the listener so much that he is prepared to repent with utter sincerity. V. 3, 7, 15-16. It is the gloomiest psalm found in the scripture. The random verses point out the utter despair of the Jews whose lives have been ‘an endless chain of tragedy. They feel that every type of punishment inflicted upon the world has smitten them. On December 8, 1987, Palestinian residents began throwing rocks at their neighbors. It developed into the so called ‘Intifada’ and continues unto this day. News sources took up the Palestinian drum-beat and tried to make the Israeli government look like heartless and cruel occupiers of Palestinian territory. The Israeli arm has tried to calm the situation but is condemned by the news media at every opportunity. It is a continuing problem. Perhaps we could call it a trap into which Israel been snared and from which there seems no escape. The prediction is that someday, the Jews will enter upon a time of unparalleled trouble. There has never been anything like it in history. The life of he Israeli nation will draw neat to the grave. Their souls will be filled with trouble-a key word from which comes the term ‘tribulation’. Some day a world dictator will plot the enslavement of mankind. This antichrist will lay a trap through which he will plot the genocide of the Jews. In a manner similar to that of Adolf Hitler, he will deceived the world. The antichrist will offer what appears to be a perfect plan for world peace. But beware! It will be a trap by which he will attempt to ensnare not only Israel, but the entire world. The entire episode will culminate with G-d’s judgment upon those who plot against His Chosen People. [8] Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them… Since 1987 Israel has certainly received a bad press among the Gentile nations.