Definition: Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 88:5 – it's a really beautiful and poignant verse. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s care for those who have passed away. It describes a situation where someone is remembered but no longer has any connection to us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Free among the dead…” - Think of it like this: When we're in Heaven, or in a place where God is with us, we’re not physically tied to anyone anymore. We’re free to move and be with God. “…like the slain that lie in the grave…” – This is a strong comparison. The “slain” refers to those who have died. The "grave" is the place where people are buried, and it represents death. So, we're comparing someone’s remembrance to the finality of death. “whom thou rememberest no more…” – This is the key part. We don’t remember them. We don’t have a memory of their name, their life, or their presence with us. It's as if they've vanished from our thoughts. “…and they are cut off from thy hand.” – This means that God has abandoned them. It suggests that we’re not responsible for them anymore, and they’re no longer in our care or consideration. Overall Meaning: The verse is a reminder of the permanence of death and the distance between us and those who have passed on. It highlights God's enduring love and presence even after physical death. It speaks to the idea that while we may forget them, God remembers them eternally. In essence, Psalm 88:5 is a powerful expression of God’s unending care for all people, regardless of their passing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the historical context of this passage? Discuss what it might mean in terms of faith or hope?