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 complaint;
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 mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I [shall] not [be].
Overview of Job Chapter 7
Job Chapter 7 presents a poignant reflection on human suffering, despair, and the search for meaning in the face of affliction. Job, in this chapter, expresses his deep anguish and questions the purpose of his suffering. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s lamentation, as he grapples with the pain of his condition and the silence of God.
Key Themes
- Suffering and Despair: Job articulates the depth of his suffering and the relentless nature of his afflictions.
- The Search for Meaning: Job questions the purpose of his existence and the reason behind his suffering.
- The Silence of God: Job feels abandoned and unheard, highlighting the theme of divine silence in times of distress.
- Human Mortality: Job reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Detailed Analysis
In this chapter, Job begins with a rhetorical question about the nature of human suffering, likening it to the toil of a laborer. He expresses a sense of weariness and longing for relief, indicating that his days are filled with pain and his nights with restlessness. This imagery emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of his suffering.
Job’s Lament
Job’s lament is characterized by a profound sense of isolation. He feels that his suffering is unique and unbearable, as he states, “I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.” This metaphor illustrates his desperation and the fragility of his existence.
The Question of Divine Justice
Job’s anguish leads him to question God’s justice. He wonders why he has been singled out for such suffering and whether there is any purpose to his pain. This questioning reflects a deep theological concern about the nature of God and the relationship between divine justice and human suffering.
Mortality and Existence
Job contemplates the brevity of life, stating that human beings are like a breath, fleeting and insubstantial. This contemplation on mortality serves to highlight the existential crisis he faces, as he grapples with the meaning of life amidst suffering.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: Job compares his suffering to that of a laborer and expresses his longing for rest.
- Verses 5-6: He describes his physical condition, emphasizing his frailty and despair.
- Verses 7-10: Job reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
- Verses 11-21: Job speaks directly to God, expressing his feelings of abandonment and questioning the purpose of his suffering.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 7 encapsulates the profound struggle of a man in the depths of despair. It raises critical questions about suffering, divine justice, and the meaning of existence. Through his lament, Job expresses the universal human experience of pain and the longing for understanding in the face of inexplicable suffering. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith and the human condition.
