In my Bible studies this week I have read Psalms 87-89, I saw a post about Psalms 88, and how it is a hopeless call for Grace Grace and Salvation.

In my studies, I discovered two brothers, (Ezrahites), who react differently to the troubles they see and experience.

The first Ezrahite mentioned is Ethan, a man that was so wise that it is said only Soloman was wiser. (1 Kings 4:29-31)

We next see Heman the Ezrahite. He wrote Psalms 88, which the Amplified Bible Explains is: [ A Petition to Be Saved from Death. ] [ A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the Chief Musician; set to chant mournfully. A didactic or reflective poem of Heman the Ezrahite. ]

This Psalm has only 18 verses, most describing his life’s conditions. (My prayers are often along these lines).

“For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.” (Psalms 88:3)

He blames the Lord for his condition:

“Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.” (Verse 7)

His friends have deserted him:

“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.” (Verse 8)

He wonders why the Lord doesn’t seem to hear his cry.

“Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee. Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.” (Verses 9-10)

He has lost all Hope.

“LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.” (Palms 88:14-18)

There are three verses that show him reaching out for help.

“O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.” (Psalms 88:1,2,13)

Here was a man full of woe, he was losing hope, almost ready to give up life as he knew it.

Then in the next Psalm (89), we find Ethen the Ezrahite. The Ezrahite with Wisdom. Again from the Amplified Bible.
[ The Lord’s Covenant with David, and Israel’s Afflictions. ] [ A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of Ethan the Ezrahite. ]

Ethan experiences some of the same troubles but realizes it is because of the sins of himself and the people.

“How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.” (Psalms 89:46-48)

He had discussed the sins of the people and the promises of God. The Psalm started and ended looking up to God.

“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.” (Psalms 89:1,54)

Verse 1 is a song I sang in Bible School many years ago. If you allow the words to work within, your troubles become less with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory (1 Peter 1:8) become bigger in your life.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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