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A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korach [Bald one, Frost]. (See Num ch 16). For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Suffering of Affliction.” A maskil ·instructional wisdom psalm· by Heman, the Ezrahite.
Context: Generally considered the saddest Psalm, due to lacking the praise of God. (1 Chr 6:33-37)
1 Adonai, the God of my yishu'ah ·salvation·,
I have cried day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer enter into your presence.
Turn your ear to my cry.
3 For my soul is full of troubles.
My life draws near to Sheol ·Place of the dead·.
4 I am counted among those who go down into the pit (of Abbadon, the unrighteous side of Sheol).
I am like a man who has no help,
5 set apart among the dead,
like the slain who lie in the grave,
whom you remember no more.
They are cut off from your hand.
6 You have laid me in the lowest pit (of Abbadon, the unrighteous side of Sheol),
in the darkest depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavily on me.
You have afflicted me with all your waves.
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
8 You have taken my friends from me.
You have made me an abomination to them.
I am confined, and I can’t escape.
9 My eyes are dim from grief.
I have called on you daily, Adonai.
I have spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you show wonders to the dead?
Do the departed spirits rise up and yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise· to you?
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
11 Is your chesed ·loving-kindness· declared in the grave?
Or your faithfulness in Abaddon ·Destruction, Unrighteous side of Sheol·?
12 Are your wonders made known in the dark?
Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But to you, Adonai, I have cried.
In the morning, my prayer comes before you.
14 Adonai, why do you reject my soul?
Why do you hide your face from me?
15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up.
While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.
16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me.
Your terrors have cut me off.
17 They came around me like water all day long.
They completely engulfed me.
18 You have put 'ahav ·affectionate lover· and friend far from me,
and my friends into darkness.