Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 88:3

"For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draweth nigh unto Sheol." — Psalms 88:3 (ASV)

Grave. — Sheôl. Here, as in Psalm 6:4-5, Psalms 33:19, and Isaiah 38:10-11, there comes into prominence the thought that death severs the covenant relation with God, and so presents an irresistible reason why prayer should be heard now before it is too late.