Psalms 88:18

Lover and friend. Compare v. 8. The psalmist repeats his complaint as a last pathetic note in his song. Even those to whom he had a right to look for help and sympathy in his plight have deserted him (see Job 19:13–21).

It is well to note, despite the hopelessness of the psalm, that David confesses God as his Saviour (v. 1); acknowledges His loving-kindness, faithfulness, strength, and righteousness (vs. 10–12); and continues to pray (v. 13). We may be sure that, although the psalm closes in darkness, light eventually broke forth and all was well (see Job 5:18; 13:15). The psalm is a supreme example of perfect faith: though David sees no release, he remains firm in God.

Mine acquaintance. In the poetic parallelism of v. 18 these words stand as the counterpart of “lover and friend.” An “acquaintance,” presumably, would be on less intimate terms than a “lover and friend”; yet David mourns the loss of the friendship of even those who are not his most intimate associates.