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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Psalms 88:1 - 88:1
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Psa 88:1-18. Upon Mahalath - either an instrument, as a lute, to be used as an accompaniment (Leannoth, “for singing”) or, as others think, an enigmatic title (see on Psa 5:1, see on Psa 22:1, and see on Psa 45:1, titles), denoting the subject - that is, “sickness or disease, for humbling,” the idea of spiritual maladies being often represented by disease (compare Psa 6:5, Psa 6:6; Psa 22:14, Psa 22:15, etc.). On the other terms, see on Psa 42:1 and see on Psa 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on Psa 89:1, title) were David’s singers (1Ch 6:18, 1Ch 6:33; 1Ch 15:17), of the family of Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6), they were probably adopted into the tribe of Judah. Though called a song, which usually implies joy (Psa 83:1), both the style and matter of the Psalm are very despondent; yet the appeals to God evince faith, and we may suppose that the word “song” might be extended to such compositions.
Compare on the terms used, Psa 22:2; Psa 31:2.