Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah Do You work wonders for the dead?This phrase questions the possibility of God performing miracles for those who have died. In the context of ancient Israel, the dead were often seen as beyond the reach of earthly intervention. The psalmist's question reflects a deep despair, as he feels as though he is among the dead. Biblically, the concept of resurrection was not fully developed in the Old Testament, though there are hints of it in passages like Daniel 12:2. The question also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ's resurrection, which is the ultimate wonder performed for the dead, offering eternal life to believers. Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of KorahThe authors of Psalm 88, a group of Levitical singers and musicians in the temple. 2. Heman the Ezrahite Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, known for his wisdom and musical contributions. 3. Sheol The Hebrew term for the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and silence. 4. Selah A term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude. 5. The Dead/Departed Spirits Refers to those who have passed away, raising questions about their ability to experience God's wonders. Teaching Points The Reality of DespairPsalm 88 is a raw expression of human despair, reminding us that it's okay to bring our deepest sorrows to God. Questioning in Faith The psalmist's questions reflect a struggle with understanding God's ways, encouraging believers to seek God even in doubt. Hope Beyond the Grave While the psalmist questions the possibility of wonders for the dead, the broader biblical account assures us of resurrection and eternal life. The Importance of Reflection The use of "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on the weight of our questions and the depth of God's mysteries. Community Support The communal nature of the Sons of Korah highlights the importance of seeking support and encouragement from fellow believers during times of distress. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the expression of despair in Psalm 88:10 resonate with your own experiences of questioning God?2. In what ways can the hope of resurrection, as seen in other scriptures, provide comfort in times of grief or loss? 3. How can the practice of "Selah" (pausing and reflecting) be incorporated into your daily spiritual life? 4. What role does community play in helping you navigate seasons of doubt and despair, as seen in the context of the Sons of Korah? 5. How can you use the questions and themes in Psalm 88 to engage in deeper conversations about faith with others who may be struggling? Connections to Other Scriptures Job 14:14Explores the theme of life after death and the hope of resurrection. Isaiah 26:19 Offers a prophetic vision of the dead rising, providing a contrast to the despair in Psalm 88. 1 Corinthians 15:52 Discusses the resurrection of the dead at the last trumpet, affirming the hope of eternal life. Revelation 20:12-13 Describes the final judgment and the resurrection of the dead, connecting to the theme of accountability after death.
People Abaddon, Ethan, Heman, Korah, Mahalath, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Arise, Dead, Decreased, Departed, Perform, Praise, Rephaim, Rise, Selah, Shades, Shew, Spirits, Thank, Thanks, Wilt, Wonder, Wonders, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 88:10 5831 depression 4811 darkness, symbol of sin Library Out of the Deep of Doubt, Darkness, and Hell. O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night unto Thee. Oh! let my prayer enter into Thy presence. For my soul is full of trouble and my life draweth nigh unto Hell. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in a place of darkness, and in the deep.--Ps. lxxxviii. 1, 2. If I go down to Hell, Thou art there also. Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee; but the night is as clear as the day.--Ps. cxxxix. 7, 11. I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my calling. … Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us. How a Desolate Man Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Our Status. His Past Work. How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance. Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon The Wrath of God Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500 Sense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son. Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Psalms Links Psalm 88:10 NIVPsalm 88:10 NLT Psalm 88:10 ESV Psalm 88:10 NASB Psalm 88:10 KJV Psalm 88:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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