Psalms 88 and 89 conclude Book 3 and bring the Psalter to its darkest point. “You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust.” “Lord, where is your former hesed?” These laments lead to desperate pleas: “How long, O LORD?” and “Remember, Lord.” Israel, Judah, and their kings have broken the covenant. But what about Yahweh’s side of the covenant? What about his steadfast love? Book 4 answers by looking back to Moses. When Israel broke the covenant at Mount Sinai, Moses interceded for the people. Here, in a sense, he does it again – or, put differently, he reminds the covenant-breaking people that because of God’s character there is still reason to pray and hope. Whether slaves in Egypt, wanderers in the wilderness, or exiles in Babylon, God has always been the home of his people. And he always will be, through death and beyond.

The Hope of Eternity: God is Our Home 1-2

The Reality of Death: Dust to Dust 3-6

The Reason for Death: Righteous Wrath 7-10

Responding to Death: Wisdom through Prayer 11-15

The Consolations of the Dying: Generations and Work 16-17

Read Ahead: Psalm 99