Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 301

Psalm 88:4a "I am counted with those who go down to the pit..."

Day 301 – Psalm 88

“I am counted with those who go down to the pit…” Psalm 88:4a

MARKED FOR DEATH

It is a chilling thought to contemplate death in such grave circumstances. Powerful conquerors were well-known for marking people to die. What were their reasons for doing such wicked deeds? The following reasons may be stated:-

1. To establish “superiority”.

2. To create terror.

3. To humiliate the vanquished nation.

4. To eradicate vestigial resistance to the power of the conquerors.

A VERY REAL EXPERIENCE

Israel had many battles with neighbouring countries. They seemed determined to destroy the children of Israel. Global powers like the Babylonians also targeted Israel. Life was cheap to these marauders. People were slain with no qualms.

“I am counted with those who go down to the pit;
I am like a man who has no strength.”
Psalm 88:4

1. “I am counted with those who go down to the pit”

a) The pit is a reference to the grave.
b) Counted:-
i) There were many who were marked for death.
ii) Heman was one of those counted to go down to the pit.

2. “I am like a man who has no strength”

a) Heman experienced a great sense of weakness.
b) Feelings of helplessness threatened to prevail.
c) “No strength”- that was a graphic and stark statement of how he felt; a man totally bereft of strength.

PRAYING AMIDST SUCH DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES

Heman continued to pray to the Lord despite being caught in such desperate circumstances. Many others would have fled for their lives. But Heman had a duty to perform. He could not abandon his post. He had been appointed to pray and to sing. He would faithfully stay the course.