“Millennial Hero”

Psalm 88: 14, 15: “O Lord, why do You reject my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? I was afflicted and about to die from my youth on; I suffer Your terrors, I am overcome.” Unlike the “Bummer Psalms” of David, this psalm is unique in that its writer never grasps the hope found in God. He seems to be not just depressed, bur suicidal. This would put Heman the Ezrahite high on the heroes list of many folks today, who have idealized and romanticized suicide. But suicide is neither ideal nor romantic. The Bible records only two suicides, and Saul (1 Samuel 31: 4) and Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17: 23) are both condemned for the act. Suicide is nothing admirable; it’s just a flagrant violation of the sixth commandment (Exodus 20: 13). There’s always a better way!