Psalm 87

The Nations Made Citizens of Jerusalem

A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1On the holy mountain

stands the city founded by the Lord.

2He loves the city of Jerusalem

more than any other city in Israel.*87:2 Hebrew He loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. See note on 44:4.

3O city of God,

what glorious things are said of you!

Interlude

4I will count Egypt*87:4a Hebrew Rahab, the name of a mythical sea monster that represents chaos in ancient literature. The name is used here as a poetic name for Egypt. and Babylon among those who know me—

also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.*87:4b Hebrew Cush.

They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!

5Regarding Jerusalem*87:5 Hebrew Zion. it will be said,

“Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.”

And the Most High will personally bless this city.

6When the Lord registers the nations, he will say,

“They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.”

Interlude

7The people will play flutes*87:7 Or will dance. and sing,

“The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”

Psalm 88

A Plea of One Close to Death

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah. A song to be sung to the tune “The Suffering of Affliction.” A psalm*88: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of Heman the Ezrahite.

1O Lord, God of my salvation,

I cry out to you by day.

I come to you at night.

2Now hear my prayer;

listen to my cry.

3For my life is full of troubles,

and death*88:3 Hebrew Sheol. draws near.

4I am as good as dead,

like a strong man with no strength left.

5They have left me among the dead,

and I lie like a corpse in a grave.

I am forgotten,

cut off from your care.

6You have thrown me into the lowest pit,

into the darkest depths.

7Your anger weighs me down;

with wave after wave you have engulfed me.

Interlude

8You have driven my friends away

by making me repulsive to them.

I am in a trap with no way of escape.

9My eyes are blinded by my tears.

Each day I beg for your help, O Lord;

I lift my hands to you for mercy.

10Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead?

Do the dead rise up and praise you?

Interlude

11Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love?

Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction?*88:11 Hebrew in Abaddon?

12Can the darkness speak of your wonderful deeds?

Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about your righteousness?

13O Lord, I cry out to you.

I will keep on pleading day by day.

14O Lord, why do you reject me?

Why do you turn your face from me?

15I have been sick and close to death since my youth.

I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors.

16Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me.

Your terrors have paralyzed me.

17They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long.

They have engulfed me completely.

18You have taken away my companions and loved ones.

Darkness is my closest friend.