Psalms 88:8

KJV

Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast put away {H7368} mine acquaintance {H3045}{H8794)} far {H7368}{H8689)} from me; thou hast made {H7896}{H8804)} me an abomination {H8441} unto them: I am shut up {H3607}{H8803)}, and I cannot come forth {H3318}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You separated me from my close friends, made me repulsive to them; I am caged in, with no escape;

Berean Standard Bible

You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape.

American Standard Version

Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me; Thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 88:8 starkly portrays the psalmist Heman's profound and multi-faceted suffering, articulating an overwhelming sense of social isolation and inescapable confinement. This verse is a raw, desperate cry of abandonment, where human relationships have been not merely strained but actively severed, and the psalmist perceives himself as an object of utter revulsion to those once close to him. It powerfully encapsulates the psalm's unique and unyielding lament, expressing the depths of despair without the customary turn towards hope or divine intervention, emphasizing the psalmist's complete entrapment in his affliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 88 stands as one of the most profoundly somber and unique laments within the entire Psalter, often distinguished as "the darkest psalm" due to its stark absence of a traditional resolution or a shift towards praise and trust. Unlike the typical trajectory of psalms of complaint, which usually transition from distress to confidence in God's deliverance, Psalms 88 concludes in unmitigated darkness, with the final verse ([Psalms 88:18](/psalms/88-18 "Psalms 88:18 - Darkness My Only Friend")) powerfully reinforcing the pervasive themes of isolation and the relentless presence of "darkness." Verse 8 specifically articulates the devastating social dimension of the psalmist's suffering, immediately following earlier descriptions of his physical weakness and proximity to death ([Psalms 88:3-7](/psalms/88-3-7 "Psalms 88:3-7 - The Psalmist's Physical and Spiritual Anguish")). It marks a crucial transition from the internal anguish and perceived divine judgment felt by the psalmist to the external, tangible consequence of that suffering: the complete and active alienation from his social circle, rendering his torment comprehensive and inescapable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical circumstances of Heman the Ezrahite are not explicitly detailed within the psalm, the themes presented in Psalms 88:8 resonate deeply with common experiences of severe illness, social ostracism, or even imprisonment in ancient Israelite society. In a culture where community, family ties, and social standing were paramount, being "put away" by acquaintances and becoming an "abomination" would have constituted an extreme form of social death, effectively stripping an individual of their vital support network and communal identity. Such a dire state could arise from a severe, perhaps contagious, illness (like leprosy, which led to ritual impurity and mandated social exclusion, as detailed in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases")), or from a widespread perception of a divine curse that rendered one ritually unclean or socially repugnant. The psalmist's direct attribution of this suffering to God ("Thou hast put away," "thou hast made me") reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief that all circumstances, whether beneficial or calamitous, ultimately originated from the divine will.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 88:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes both within the psalm itself and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is **profound isolation and abandonment**, encompassing both human and perceived divine forsakenness. The psalmist feels utterly deserted by his community, mirroring the deep spiritual desolation he experiences in his relationship with God. This verse also powerfully highlights **social rejection and stigma**, where the psalmist is not merely forgotten or avoided but actively reviled, becoming an "abomination." This resonates with the suffering of figures like [Job, whose friends turned against him](/job/19-13 "Job 19:13 - Job's Friends Forsake Him") in his affliction, mistakenly believing his suffering indicated sin. Furthermore, the phrase "I am shut up, and I cannot come forth" vividly conveys a **feeling of inescapable confinement**, whether physical due to illness or literal imprisonment, or spiritual due to overwhelming despair. This sense of being trapped is a recurring motif throughout the psalm, echoing the psalmist's descent into the "lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps" mentioned earlier in [Psalms 88:6](/psalms/88-6 "Psalms 88:6 - The Psalmist in the Pit"). Finally, the psalm directly grapples with the challenging theme of **divine agency in suffering**, as Heman explicitly attributes his plight to God's actions, raising profound questions about the nature of divine sovereignty and the mystery of human suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acquaintance (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This word, derived from the primitive root H3045, means "to know" (properly, to ascertain by seeing). In this context, it refers to those who are intimately known, close friends, or familiar companions. The psalmist's lament that God has "put away mine acquaintance far from me" signifies a profound and painful severance of his most cherished social bonds. It implies not merely distance, but an active, divinely orchestrated removal, intensifying his sense of utter social isolation.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term (H8441) is strong and often carries moral or ritual connotations, referring to something disgusting, abhorrent, or ritually unclean in God's eyes or in the eyes of the community. Here, it describes how the psalmist is perceived by his former friends. He is not merely disliked or avoided, but viewed with active revulsion and disgust, suggesting a severe stigma that has rendered him utterly repugnant and ostracized.
* **Shut up (Hebrew, _kâlâʼ'_):** This word (H3607) literally means "to restrict," "hold back or in," "prohibit," or "confine." It vividly portrays a state of being trapped, unable to move freely or escape one's circumstances. In the context of Psalms 88:8, it can suggest physical confinement due to illness or literal imprisonment, or a metaphorical spiritual and emotional entrapment by despair, preventing any interaction with the outside world or any possibility of relief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me;":** The psalmist directly addresses God, attributing his social alienation to divine action. This is a profound statement of perceived abandonment, where God is seen as the active agent responsible for the severance of his closest relationships. This "putting away" implies a deliberate and painful act, intensifying the psalmist's sense of being forsaken by both God and humanity.
* **"thou hast made me an abomination unto them:":** This clause deepens the sense of rejection beyond mere distance; it signifies active revulsion. The psalmist believes God has caused him to become an object of disgust and abhorrence to those who once knew him. This transforms his social isolation into a state of active stigma, where he is not merely alone but actively repellant, leading to complete ostracism and social death.
* **"[I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.":** This final clause vividly describes the psalmist's state of utter helplessness and confinement. Whether physically (due to illness, literal imprisonment in a dungeon) or metaphorically (trapped by overwhelming despair, social rejection, or a perceived divine curse), he is unable to escape his dire circumstances. This expresses a complete lack of agency and hope, reinforcing the psalm's unique and unyielding conclusion without resolution.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 88:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of profound despair. The psalmist's declaration that God has "put away mine acquaintance far from me" and "made me an abomination unto them" utilizes **Hyperbole**, likely exaggerating the degree of human rejection to express the overwhelming intensity of his subjective experience of isolation and revulsion. This vivid imagery is coupled with a powerful **Metaphor** in "I am shut up, and I cannot come forth," which portrays a state of imprisonment that extends beyond mere physical bonds to encompass spiritual, emotional, and social confinement, emphasizing his utter helplessness. The entire psalm is a quintessential **Lament**, a genre characterized by direct address to God, complaint, petition, and expressions of trust, though Psalms 88 notably omits the typical turn to trust or praise. The psalmist's direct attribution of his suffering to God's actions ("Thou hast put away," "thou hast made me") is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, where divine agency is described in human terms, reflecting the psalmist's deep conviction that his plight is divinely ordained, even if the reasons remain inscrutable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 88:8 confronts the challenging theological truth that God's sovereignty extends even to the most profound human suffering and abandonment. The psalmist's raw and direct attribution of his plight to God forces us to grapple with the mystery of divine providence, where God is not merely passive in the face of human pain but is perceived as an active agent, even in the severing of relationships and the onset of profound isolation. This psalm provides sacred validation for the experience of feeling utterly forsaken by both God and humanity, offering a legitimate space for the articulation of unmitigated despair without immediate resolution. It serves as a stark reminder that faith does not always preclude the darkest nights of the soul, where the only recourse is a desperate cry to a God who seems distant or even hostile. This profound lament serves as a crucial counterpoint to psalms of deliverance, ensuring the full spectrum of human experience and honest prayer is represented within the biblical witness.

* [Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13-19 "Job 19:13-19 - Job's Friends and Relatives Forsake Him")
* [Lamentations 3:1-18](/lamentations/3-1-18 "Lamentations 3:1-18 - The Prophet's Lament Over His Suffering")
* [Psalms 31:11-12](/psalms/31-11-12 "Psalms 31:11-12 - The Psalmist's Isolation and Disgrace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 88:8 offers profound validation and empathy for those experiencing the depths of isolation, rejection, and confinement. In a world that often pressures individuals to maintain a facade of strength, to quickly find solutions, or to present only their "best" selves, this psalm grants permission to sit in the raw, unfiltered pain of abandonment. It teaches us that it is not only acceptable but biblically affirmed to express profound despair to God, even when hope seems absent and the reasons for suffering are unclear. For those who feel "shut up" by overwhelming circumstances, chronic illness, mental anguish, or social ostracism, Heman's honest cry provides a voice and a pathway to bring their deepest hurts before the Lord. It underscores the vital importance of communal empathy and the urgent need for the church to be a place where such suffering can be openly acknowledged, borne, and ministered to, even when easy answers are elusive. Ultimately, this psalm invites us to a deeper understanding of lament as a legitimate, necessary, and often transformative form of prayer, fostering a radical honesty with God in our darkest moments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt "shut up" or unable to "come forth" from a difficult situation, and how did you respond to that feeling of confinement?**
* **How does the psalmist's direct attribution of his suffering to God challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty and the nature of suffering?**
* **In what practical ways can the church or Christian community better support and minister to those who feel like an "abomination" or are profoundly isolated and rejected?**
* **What does Psalms 88:8 teach us about the nature of prayer and lament, especially when there is no immediate resolution or tangible hope in sight?**

### FAQ
**Why is Psalms 88 often called "the darkest psalm" and what does this verse contribute to that reputation?**

Answer: Psalms 88 is widely considered "the darkest psalm" because, unlike most other laments in the Psalter, it concludes without any discernible shift towards hope, trust, or a resolution of the psalmist's suffering. The psalm ends with the chilling declaration, "darkness is my only friend" ([Psalms 88:18](/psalms/88-18 "Psalms 88:18 - Darkness My Only Friend")). Psalms 88:8 contributes significantly to this reputation by detailing the psalmist's complete social abandonment and perceived divine rejection. The lines "Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth" articulate a comprehensive and inescapable state of isolation and confinement. This verse removes any human comfort or escape, leaving the psalmist utterly alone in his suffering, thereby deepening the psalm's pervasive sense of unmitigated despair and contributing to its unique, unresolved conclusion in the biblical canon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 88:8, with its raw and agonizing depiction of abandonment, rejection, and inescapable confinement, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Heman's cry of being "put away" by acquaintances and made an "abomination" chillingly foreshadows the ultimate social and spiritual ostracism experienced by Christ. On the cross, Jesus was not only forsaken by His disciples and reviled by humanity, but He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, becoming "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), and in doing so, became an "abomination" in the eyes of a holy God. This led to His agonizing cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). The psalmist's feeling of being "shut up, and I cannot come forth" resonates deeply with Christ's experience in the tomb, confined by death. Yet, unlike Heman, Christ's confinement was temporary and purposeful. His glorious resurrection from the grave on the third day ([Luke 24:1-7](/luke/24-1-7 "Luke 24:1-7 - The Resurrection of Jesus")) shattered the bonds of death and the power of the grave, demonstrating His ultimate victory over the very forces that confined the psalmist. Thus, in Christ, the profound despair of Psalms 88 is not merely validated but ultimately transcended, offering hope, liberation, and eternal life to all who feel "shut up" and abandoned, knowing that the One who understands their deepest pain has conquered it for them.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 31:11

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

John 15:23

He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

John 15:24

If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

Jeremiah 32:2

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which [was] in the king of Judah's house.

Zechariah 11:8

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

Job 30:10

They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face.