The writer uses this question to emphasize that he would be of no value to God if he were dead. AT: "There is no advantage in my dying and going down to the grave" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that his dead and decayed body cannot praise God. AT: "My dust will certainly not praise you or tell others about how trustworthy you are" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
# the dust
This refers to the body of the writer which will decay and become dust when he is dead. AT: "my decayed body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])