Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 88:14

"Jehovah, why castest thou off my soul? Why hidest thou thy face from me?" — Psalms 88:14 (ASV)

Lord, why castest thou off my soul? - Why do you forsake or abandon me? Why is it that you do not interpose, since you have all power, and since you are a God of mercy? Why do you not deliver me from my troubles?

How often are good people constrained to ask this question! How often does this language express exactly what is passing in their minds! How difficult, too, it is to answer the question, and to see why that God who has all power, and who is infinitely benevolent, does not interpose to deliver his people in affliction! The answer to this question cannot be fully given in this world; an answer will doubtless be furnished in the future life.

Why hidest thou thy face from me? - Why do you not lift up the light of your countenance upon me, and show me your favor? God seemed to turn away from him. He seemed unwilling even to look upon the sufferer. He permitted him to bear his sorrows, unpitied and alone.