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Commentary on Job 7 verses 1–6
Job is here excusing what he could not justify, even his inordinate desire of death. Why should he not wish for the termination of life, which would be the termination of his miseries? To enforce this reason he argues,
I. From the general condition of man upon earth (Job 7:1): "He is of few days, and full of trouble. Every man must die shortly, and every man has some reason (more or less) to desire to die shortly; and therefore why should you impute it to me as so heinous a crime that I wish to die shortly?" Or thus: "Pray mistake not my desires of death, as if I thought the time appointed of God could be anticipated: no, I know very well that that is fixed; only in such language as this I take the liberty to express my present uneasiness: Is there not an appointed time (a warfare, so the word is) to man upon earth? and are not his days here like the days of a hireling?" Observe, 1. Man's present place. He is upon earth, which God has given to the children of men, Psa 115:16. This bespeaks man's meanness and inferiority. How much below the inhabitants of yonder elevated and refined regions is he situated! It also bespeaks God's mercy to him. He is yet upon the earth, not under it; on earth, not in hell. Our time on earth is limited and short, according to the narrow bounds of this earth; but heaven cannot be measured, nor the days of heaven numbered. 2. His continuance in that place. Is there not a time appointed for his abode here? Yes, certainly there is, and it is easy to say by whom the appointment is made, even by him that made us and set us here. We are not to be on this earth always, nor long, but for a certain time, which is determined by him in whose hand our times are. We are not to think that we are governed by the blind fortune of the Epicureans, but by the wise, holy, and sovereign counsel of God. 3. His condition during that continuance. Man's life is a warfare, and as the days of a hireling. We are every one of us to look upon ourselves in this world, (1.) As soldiers, exposed to hardship and in the midst of enemies; we must serve and be under command; and, when our warfare is accomplished, we must be disbanded, dismissed with either shame or honour, according to what we have done in the body. (2.) As day-labourers, that have the work of the day to do in its day and must make up their account at night.
II. From his own condition at this time. He had as much reason, he thought, to wish for death, as a poor servant or hireling that is tired with his work has to wish for the shadows of the evening, when he shall receive his penny and go to rest, Job 7:2. The darkness of the night is as welcome to the labourer as the light of the morning is to the watchman, Psa 130:6. The God of nature has provided for the repose of labourers, and no wonder that they desire it. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet, Ecc 5:12. No pleasure more grateful, more relishing, to the luxurious than rest to the laborious; nor can any rich man take so much satisfaction in the return of his rent-days as the hireling in his day's wages. The comparison is plain, the application is concise and somewhat obscure, but we must supply a word or two, and then it is easy: exactness of language is not to be expected from one in Job's condition. "As a servant earnestly desires the shadow, so and for the same reason I earnestly desire death; for I am made to possess, etc." Hear his complaint.
1.His days were useless, and had been so a great while. He was wholly taken off from business, and utterly unfit for it. Every day was a burden to him, because he was in no capacity of doing good, or of spending it to any purpose. Et vitae partem non attigit ullam - He could not fill up his time with any thing that would turn to account. This he calls possessing months of vanity, Job 7:3. It very much increases the affliction of sickness and age, to a good man, that he is thereby forced from his usefulness. He insists not so much upon it that they are days in which he has no pleasure as that they are days in which he does not good; on that account they are months of vanity. But when we are disabled to work for God, if we will but sit still quietly for him, it is all one; we shall be accepted.
2.His nights were restless, Job 7:3, Job 7:4. The night relieves the toil and fatigue of the day, not only to the labourers, but to the sufferers: if a sick man can but get a little sleep in the night, it helps nature, and it is hoped that he will do well, Joh 11:12. However, be the trouble what it will, sleep gives some intermission to the cares, and pains, and griefs, that afflict us; it is the parenthesis of our sorrows. But poor Job could not gain this relief. (1.) His nights were wearisome, and, instead of taking any rest, he did but tire himself more with tossing to and fro until morning. Those that are in great uneasiness, through pain of body or anguish of mind, think by changing sides, changing places, changing postures, to get some ease; but, while the cause is the same within, it is all to no purpose; it is but a resemblance of a fretful discontented spirit, that is ever shifting, but never easy. This made him dread the night as much as the servant desires it, and, when he lay down, to say, When will the night be gone? (2.) These wearisome nights were appointed to him. God, who determines the times before appointed, had allotted him such nights as these. Whatever is at any time grievous to us, it is good to see it appointed for us, that we may acquiesce in the event, not only as unavoidable because appointed, but as therefore designed for some holy end. When we have comfortable nights we must see them also appointed to us and be thankful for them; many better than we have wearisome nights.
3.His body was noisome, Job 7:5. His sores bred worms, the scabs were like clods of dust, and his skin was broken; so evil was the disease which cleaved fast to him. See what vile bodies we have, and what little reason we have to pamper them or be proud of them; they have in themselves the principles of their own corruption: as fond as we are of them now, the time may come when we may loathe them and long to get rid of them.
4.His life was hastening apace towards a period, Job 7:6. He thought he had no reason to expect a long life, for he found himself declining fast (Job 7:6): My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, that is, "My time is now but short, and there are but a few sands more in my glass, which will speedily run out." Natural motions are more swift near the centre. Job thought his days ran swiftly because he thought he should soon be at his journey's end; he looked upon them as good as spent already, and he was therefore without hope of being restored to his former prosperity. It is applicable to man's life in general. Our days are like a weaver's shuttle, thrown from one side of the web to the other in the twinkling of an eye, and then back again, to and fro, until at length it is quite exhausted of the thread it carried, and then we cut off, like a weaver, our life, Isa 38:12. Time hastens on apace; the motion of it cannot be stopped, and, when it is past, it cannot be recalled. While we are living, as we are sowing (Gal 6:8), so we are weaving. Every day, like the shuttle, leaves a thread behind it. Many weave the spider's web, which will fail them, Job 8:14. If we are weaving to ourselves holy garments and robes of righteousness, we shall have the benefit of them when our work comes to be reviewed and every man shall reap as he sowed and wear as he wove.
26. By a very suitable image the time of the flesh is compared to a web. For as the web advances by threads, so this mortal life by the several days; but in proportion as it grows to its bigness, it is advancing to its cutting off. For as we have also said above, whilst the time in our hands passes, the time before us is shortened. And of the whole space of our lives those portions are rendered fewer that are to come, in proportion as those are many in number that have gone by. For a web, being fastened above and below, is bound to two pieces of wood that it may be woven; but in proportion as below the part woven is rolled up, so above the part that remains to be woven is being unwound, and by the same act, by which it augments itself in growth, that is rendered less which remains. Just so with the periods of our life, we as it were roll up below those that are past, and unwind at top those that are to come, in that in the same proportion that the past become more, the future have begun to diminish. But because not even does a web suffice for the setting forth of our span of time, for the rapid course of our life surpasses the speed and quickness even of that too, it is well said in this place, My days are past away more swiftly than a web is cut off by the weaver. For to the web there is a delay of growth, but to the present life there is no delay of coming to an end. For in the one when the hand of the workman is stopped, the end of the arrival is deferred, but in this latter, because we consume without end time ending every instant, even while resting we are brought to the end of our way, and along the course of our passage, we go on even in sleeping. Therefore the Elect, seeing that the moments of the present life run past at speed, never in this journey of most rapid motion fix the purpose of their hearts. And hence it is well added upon that,
And are spent without any hope.
27. The minds of lost sinners are bound fast with such love for the days of their present life, that they long to live for ever here in the same way. So that, if it were possible, they desire never to have the course of their life brought to an end. For they are too indifferent to take account of the future, they place all their hope in transitory things, they aim to have nothing but such objects as pass away. And while they think too much of transitory things, and never look forward to those that shall remain, the eye of their heart is so closed in insensible blindness, that it is never fixed on the interior light. Whence it often happens, that distress already shakes the frame, and approaching death cuts off the power of the breath of life, yet they never cease to mind the things that are of the world. And already the avenger is dragging them to judgment, and yet they themselves, occupied with the concerns of time, in the busy management of them, are only thinking how they may still live on in this world. In the act of leaving every thing, they dispose of all as if they were entering upon the possession of them, in that the hope of living is not broken, at the very moment when life is at an end. They are already being forced to judgment in feeling [per sentemtiam], yet they still cleave to the hold of their goods in solicitude. For by the hardened soul death is still believed to be far off, even when his touch is felt. And the soul is so separated from the flesh, that by keeping itself in excessive love for things present, when it is led to everlasting punishment, it does not know this mere thing, whither it is being led; and in leaving all that it would not love with bounds, it suddenly finds without bounds things that it never anticipated. But, on the other hand, the mind of the righteous is stretched in intentness after the eternal world, even when the present life goes smoothly along with it. It enjoys the high health of the flesh, yet the spirit is never hindered by dependence on it. No atom [articulum] of death as yet breaks forth, still he daily regards it as present to him. For because life is unceasingly slipping by, the expectation of living is wholly cut short for him. Therefore it is well said of the passing days, And are spent without hope. As if it were declared in plain terms; ‘I have not placed confidence of heart in the present life, in that all that is passing I have dismissed from my hopes, treading it under foot.’
“My days pass more swiftly than the weaving of cloth by the weaver.” In a very suitable image, the time of the flesh is compared with a cloth web. As the web advances thread by thread, so this mortal life passes day by day; in proportion as the web increases, so it advances to its completion. Just as we said before, while the time in our hands passes, the time before us is shortened. Moreover, of the whole length of our lives, the days to come are proportionally fewer to those days that have gone by.
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SUMMARY
Job 7:6 captures the raw anguish of Job's suffering, portraying his life as fleeting and utterly devoid of hope. Through a poignant simile, Job articulates the crushing weight of his physical and emotional torment, observing that his days are passing with an alarming, uncontrollable swiftness, leading him to a state of profound despair where any prospect of relief or future betterment has vanished. This verse encapsulates his immediate, overwhelming experience of life as a brief, painful existence culminating in a desolate end.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 7:6 is masterfully crafted, primarily employing a vivid Simile. The comparison of "My days" to "a weaver's shuttle" is a striking and universally relatable image that immediately conveys the rapid, relentless, and seemingly uncontrollable passage of time. This simile evokes a sense of both speed and finality, as the shuttle's work culminates in a finished product, implying Job's life is swiftly reaching its end. The verse also functions as a profound Lament, a common and significant genre in biblical literature where an individual expresses deep sorrow, pain, and often a direct complaint to God. Job's cry is an outpouring of his soul's anguish, characteristic of the lament psalms, providing a raw and honest expression of human suffering. Furthermore, there is an element of Hyperbole in Job's absolute declaration of being "spent without hope." While deeply felt and reflective of his extreme emotional state, this absolute statement magnifies his despair to emphasize the totality of his hopelessness rather than suggesting a literal, complete absence of any future possibility, which would contradict the very act of his continued lament and dialogue with God throughout the book.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 7:6, in its stark portrayal of life's brevity and the crushing weight of despair, resonates deeply with biblical themes of human transience and the nature of hope. Job's lament reflects a universal human experience of mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly existence, a truth frequently acknowledged in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. However, his declaration of being "without hope" highlights a critical theological tension: the human tendency to despair in the face of overwhelming suffering, contrasted with the divine promise of enduring hope. While Job's immediate experience is one of desolation and perceived abandonment, the broader biblical narrative consistently points to God as the ultimate source of hope, even in the darkest valleys. Job's raw honesty in expressing his suffering, even to the point of questioning God's justice, ultimately paves the way for a deeper, more resilient faith that transcends immediate circumstances, culminating in his profound confession and restoration in Job 42:5-6. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that while despair is a real human experience, it is not the final word in God's redemptive plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant cry in Job 7:6 serves as a powerful mirror for the human condition, inviting us to reflect on our own perceptions of time, suffering, and the foundation of our hope. His experience reminds us that life, indeed, passes with astonishing speed, often filled with unexpected trials and profound sorrows that can threaten to overwhelm our spirit. While we may not face suffering as extreme as Job's, moments of pain, loss, or uncertainty can lead us to similar feelings of despair, causing our "days" to feel "spent without hope." This verse challenges us to confront our mortality and the transient nature of earthly existence, prompting us to consider what truly gives our lives meaning and where we place our ultimate hope. It encourages us to live intentionally, recognizing the preciousness and brevity of each day, and to cultivate a hope that transcends fleeting circumstances, anchoring itself in something enduring and eternal—a hope that is not contingent on our immediate comfort but on the steadfast character and promises of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "weaver's shuttle" imagery in Job 7:6?
Answer: The "weaver's shuttle" is a powerful and deeply relatable simile that underscores the swift, relentless, and seemingly uncontrollable passage of time. In ancient times, weaving was a common and essential craft, and the shuttle, a small device, moves rapidly back and forth across the loom, laying down threads to create fabric. This imagery conveys several layers of meaning relevant to Job's despair:
It's a vivid picture of life's brevity and fragility, intensified by Job's profound suffering and sense of powerlessness.
Does Job's declaration of being "spent without hope" contradict the biblical emphasis on hope?
Answer: Job's declaration in Job 7:6 reflects his immediate, raw, and overwhelming experience of suffering. It is a deeply personal expression of despair from a man who feels abandoned by God and tormented by his circumstances. While the Bible consistently presents God as the ultimate source of hope (e.g., Psalm 62:5 or Romans 15:13), Job's lament does not necessarily contradict this, but rather highlights the reality of human struggle and the profound depths of despair that even the righteous can experience. His honesty serves to validate the human experience of pain and doubt, demonstrating that faith does not preclude profound sorrow. Ultimately, Job's journey, though marked by intense despair, culminates in a renewed and deeper hope in God, demonstrating that even when human hope fails, divine hope can prevail (see Job 42:5-6). His despair is a temporary, albeit intense, state within a larger narrative of faith's perseverance and God's ultimate sovereignty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's lament in Job 7:6, with its profound expression of life's brevity and the crushing weight of despair, finds its ultimate answer and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job, trapped in a cycle of suffering and a perceived absence of hope, powerfully foreshadows the universal human condition under the curse of sin, where life is fleeting, often marked by sorrow, and ultimately leads to death. However, Christ enters this very human experience, taking on flesh and enduring suffering far beyond Job's, culminating in His crucifixion. On the cross, Jesus fully embraced the desolation of being "spent without hope," crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This moment of ultimate despair and abandonment was not the end, but the necessary prelude to the triumph of the resurrection. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ conquered death and the power of sin, offering a living hope that transcends the brevity of earthly days and the deepest human despair. For those who believe in Him, life is no longer merely a swift journey towards a hopeless end, but a pilgrimage towards eternal life and the promise of a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore". In Christ, the fleeting "weaver's shuttle" of our days is imbued with eternal purpose, and the "without hope" is replaced by an "abundant life" and an "unfading inheritance" secured by His victory over sin and death.