Job 14:15

Job 14:15 is a poignant expression of hope and longing from Job amidst his deep suffering, revealing a profound insight into God's character and His relationship with humanity. It suggests a future interaction where God actively seeks out His creation, demonstrating a deep affection for the "work of thine hands."

Context

This verse is found within Job's extended lament in Chapter 14, where he contemplates the brevity and fragility of human life, contrasting it with the cyclical renewal seen in nature, like a tree cut down that can sprout again. Job is wrestling with mortality, the seemingly harsh reality of divine judgment, and his fervent desire for a respite or a future beyond the grave. He expresses a wish to be hidden in the grave until God's wrath passes (Job 14:13). Within this context of despair and longing for an end to his suffering, verse 15 emerges as a glimmer of hope – a belief that God, despite His present apparent distance or severity, will ultimately desire to reconnect with His human creation.

Key Themes and Messages

• God's Enduring Desire for Humanity: The core message is God's intrinsic and enduring affection for humanity, which He Himself created. Job posits that God will "have a desire to the work of thine hands," implying that the Creator's love for His creation is fundamental and will not be extinguished by death or judgment. This speaks to the inherent value God places on human life.
• Hope for Future Interaction and Restoration: "Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee" suggests a future divine initiative, perhaps even a hope for resurrection or a renewed relationship beyond this life's trials. Job anticipates a time when God would seek him out and respond, transforming the present silence into communication. This foreshadows the ultimate hope of Job 19:25-27, where Job declares his faith in a living Redeemer.
• Divine Ownership and Craftsmanship: The phrase "work of thine hands" emphasizes that humanity is not merely a product of chance but a deliberate, cherished creation of God. Just as an artisan cares for their masterpiece, God has a vested interest and affection for His human creation. This aligns with the biblical understanding of humanity being made in God's image.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "desire" in this verse is kaseph (כָּסַף), which carries the strong connotation of longing, yearning, or pining for something. It's not a casual wish but a deep, heartfelt desire. This emphasizes the depth of God's anticipated affection for His creation.
• "Work of thine hands" (מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶיךָ - ma'aseh yadeykha) is a common biblical idiom referring to God's creation, particularly humanity, highlighting His deliberate and intricate involvement in their making.

Practical Application

Job 14:15 offers profound comfort and reassurance in several ways:

• Affirmation of Human Worth: Even in suffering, this verse reminds us that we are not forgotten or discarded. We are the "work of His hands," intricately designed and deeply valued by our Creator. This perspective can bring immense comfort to those feeling insignificant or overwhelmed by life's difficulties.
• Hope in the Face of Mortality: Job's longing for God to call and answer, and for God to desire His creation, speaks to a hope beyond this life. It suggests that death is not the final word, and God's relationship with His people extends beyond earthly existence, pointing towards resurrection and eternal communion.
• Encouragement in Prayer: The anticipation that "Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee" reinforces the biblical principle that God desires to communicate with us. It encourages believers to call upon God, trusting that He hears and responds, just as He promised in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee."