These verses confront us with the meaning of life and death as used in the Old Testament. Although Heman was still alive, he was very ill and felt that he belonged to the realm of the dead. He uses expressive terms to describe the way he feels. He speaks of a dark and deep pit, of having no strength, and of being cut off from God’s hand. He was already in the clutches of death.
3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.