1 Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
2 As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
3 So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.
4 When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.
5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.
6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
7 O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
8 The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not.
9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.
10 He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.
11 Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?
13 When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaints;
14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
15 So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
16 I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.
17 What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?
18 And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?
19 How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
20 I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
21 And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.
The book of Job is one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking books in the Bible. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and blameless man who suffers immense hardship and loss at the hands of Satan. Throughout the book, Job questions God's justice and wrestles with the concept of suffering and the purpose of human existence. Chapter 7 is a continuation of Job's dialogue with his friends, as he continues to lament his suffering and plead for an answer from God. In this chapter, Job expresses his despair and longing for death, as well as his frustration with his friends' lack of understanding. The main themes of this chapter include the reality of suffering, the limitations of human understanding, and the sovereignty of God. Through Job's words and experiences, we are reminded of the importance of faith and trust in the midst of trials and the ultimate faithfulness of God.
The chapter begins with Job's response to his friend Eliphaz's words in the previous chapter. Eliphaz had urged Job to repent and seek God's forgiveness, implying that his suffering was a result of some sin or wrongdoing. However, Job rejects this idea and instead pours out his anguish and despair. He compares his life to that of a hired servant, longing for the end of his labor and the relief of death. He describes his days as filled with pain and restlessness, with no hope of joy or peace. Job's words reveal the depth of his suffering and his longing for an end to his trials.
This section highlights the reality of suffering and the human desire for relief and justice. Job's words reflect the universal experience of pain and the longing for an end to suffering. It also challenges the notion that suffering is always a result of sin or wrongdoing. Job's righteousness is evident throughout the book, yet he still suffers. This raises questions about the purpose of suffering and the role of God in allowing it.
In this section, Job turns his lament towards God, expressing his frustration and confusion. He questions why God would pay so much attention to human beings, who are weak and short-lived, and yet allow them to suffer so greatly. Job longs for death and wonders why God does not answer his cries for relief. He compares his suffering to a watchman's night shift, with no rest or respite. Job's words reveal his desperation and his struggle to understand God's ways.
This section highlights the limitations of human understanding and the mystery of God's ways. Job, like many of us, cannot comprehend why a loving and all-powerful God would allow suffering. His cry to God is a reminder that it is okay to question and wrestle with these difficult questions, and that God is big enough to handle our doubts and frustrations.
In this section, Job directs his words towards his friends, expressing his frustration with their lack of understanding. He urges them to consider the weight of his suffering and to show him mercy and understanding. He questions why they would continue to torment him with their words, despite his innocence. Job's words reveal his desire for empathy and understanding, rather than judgment and condemnation.
This section highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in times of suffering. Job's friends, in their attempts to offer comfort and advice, have instead caused him further distress. Job longs for someone to understand and show him compassion in his pain. This serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of our words and actions towards those who are suffering, and to offer comfort and support rather than judgment.
In the final section of this chapter, Job reaffirms his faith and trust in God, despite his suffering and confusion. He acknowledges that he may never understand God's ways and that he must trust in His sovereignty. Job recognizes that God is all-knowing and that He is in control, even in the midst of suffering. He ends his speech with a plea for God's forgiveness and mercy, acknowledging his own weakness and need for God's grace.
This section highlights the ultimate message of the book of Job – the faithfulness of God. Despite Job's suffering and confusion, he remains faithful and trusts in God's sovereignty. This is a powerful reminder for us to hold on to our faith in the midst of trials, knowing that God is in control and is faithful to His promises.
Chapter 7 of the book of Job is a powerful reminder of the reality of suffering and the limitations of human understanding. Through Job's words and experiences, we are reminded of the universal experience of pain and the human desire for relief and justice. This chapter also challenges the notion that suffering is always a result of sin or wrongdoing, highlighting the mystery of God's ways and the importance of trust and faith in the midst of trials.
Job's lament and cry to God also serve as a reminder that it is okay to question and wrestle with difficult questions, and that God is big enough to handle our doubts and frustrations. Job's plea for understanding also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in times of suffering, rather than judgment and condemnation.
Ultimately, the chapter ends with Job reaffirming his faith and trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to hold on to our faith in the midst of trials, knowing that God is in control and is faithful to His promises. The book of Job is a testament to the enduring nature of faith and the ultimate goodness and faithfulness of God, even in the face of suffering and confusion.
In conclusion, chapter 7 of the book of Job is a powerful and thought-provoking chapter that delves into the reality of suffering and the limitations of human understanding. Through Job's words and experiences, we are reminded of the importance of faith and trust in the midst of trials, and the ultimate faithfulness of God. It challenges us to reflect on our own understanding of suffering and our response to those who are suffering, and to ultimately place our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Share this page