1. The sufferer's affliction 88:1-9a

88:1-2 These verses are an introduction to what follows. The psalmist announced that he prayed unceasingly to the God from whom he hoped to receive deliverance. He pleaded with God to entertain his request and act upon it by saving him.

88:3-9a Evidently his suffering had resulted in his friends separating from him. God too had apparently abandoned him. Heman felt very close to death. He viewed his condition as coming directly from God. He was alone and miserable.