Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 363

Psalm 89:48a "What man can live and not see death?"

Day 363 – Psalm 89

“What man can live and not see death?” Psalm 89:48a

MORTALITY OF MAN

The mortal nature of man is seen in a number of ways. Perhaps the most sobering reality of man’s finiteness, man’s limitation, is in the fact that he can do little in the face of death.

“What man can live and not see death?
Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?”
Psalm 89:48

1. “What man can live and not see death?”

a) The healthiest man may prolong his days on earth a little more successfully.
b) The wealthiest man may, through medical resources, extend his life for a while longer.
c) But ultimately, no man can live forever and not see death!

2. “Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?”

a) This is a rhetorical and hypothetical question.
b) The answer is as sobering as it is obvious.

A GENTLE WAY OF PLEADING WITH GOD

Ethan the Ezrahite knew that everything depended upon God. One’s life depended on the mercy of God. It is possible that he had learned how to plead in this manner from the psalms of David.

“Consider and hear me, O LORD my God;
Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.”
Psalm 13:3

“I cried out to You, O LORD;
And to the LORD, I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
LORD, be my helper!””
Psalm 30:8-10

1. There is gentle but strong supplication in prayer.

2. There is a humble pleading for mercy.

3. There is a soft but urgent appeal to God for enlightenment (understanding).