1 Man [that is] born of a woman [is] of few days, and full of trouble.
2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
3 And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?
4 Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.
5 Seeing his days [are] determined, the number of his months [are] with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.
7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;
9 [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where [is] he?
11 [As] the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:
12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
14 If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
17 My transgression [is] sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.
18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.
19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.
20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth [it] not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth [it] not of them.
22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
Overview of Job Chapter 14
Job Chapter 14 presents a poignant meditation on the nature of human existence, mortality, and the hope of resurrection. In this chapter, Job expresses his deep anguish over the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The chapter serves as a reflection on the human condition, emphasizing themes of suffering, the transience of life, and the desire for divine intervention.
Key Themes
- Mortality: Job contemplates the fragility of human life, acknowledging that it is short and filled with trouble.
- Suffering: The chapter highlights the pain and suffering that accompany human existence.
- Divine Justice: Job questions the fairness of God’s treatment of humanity, particularly in the context of suffering.
- Hope and Resurrection: Despite his despair, Job expresses a yearning for hope beyond death.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verses 1-2: Job begins by acknowledging the frailty of human life, stating that a person is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. This sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the inevitability of suffering.
- Verses 3-4: Job pleads with God to consider his plight, questioning whether there is any hope for a mortal who is sinful. This reflects Job’s struggle with the concept of sin and its consequences.
- Verses 5-6: Here, Job reflects on the predetermined nature of human life, suggesting that God has set limits on human existence. He expresses a desire for God to turn His attention to humanity, indicating a longing for divine mercy.
- Verses 7-9: Job introduces the metaphor of a tree that can sprout again after being cut down, symbolizing hope for renewal and resurrection. This serves as a contrast to the finality of human death.
- Verses 10-12: Job laments that humans die and are no more, likening their fate to that of a river that dries up. This imagery underscores the finality of death and the despair it brings.
- Verses 13-14: Job expresses a wish that God would hide him in Sheol (the grave) until His anger passes, reflecting a desire for respite from suffering. He questions whether there is hope for life after death, pondering the possibility of resurrection.
- Verses 15-17: Job imagines God calling him back to life, expressing a yearning for restoration. He reflects on the idea that God’s attention to human affairs could lead to forgiveness and healing.
- Verses 18-22: The chapter concludes with a stark reminder of the inevitability of death. Job acknowledges that even the strongest hope can be crushed by the reality of mortality. He expresses a sense of isolation in death, indicating that the dead do not know anything of the living world.
Theological Implications
Job Chapter 14 raises profound theological questions regarding the nature of God, human suffering, and the afterlife. It challenges readers to consider the relationship between divine justice and human suffering, as well as the hope for redemption and resurrection.
Conclusion
In Job Chapter 14, the themes of mortality, suffering, and hope intertwine to create a powerful reflection on the human condition. Job’s lament serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the longing for divine intervention and understanding in the face of suffering. This chapter invites readers to grapple with the complexities of faith, existence, and the hope for life beyond death.
