Understanding Job 7:15

Job 7:15 states, "So that my soul chooses strangling and death rather than my life." This verse encapsulates Job's profound anguish and the struggle he faces during his suffering. In this passage, we see Job at a moment of despair, ultimately expressing a longing for release from his torment.

Summary of the Verse's Meaning

Job, amidst severe trials and suffering, grapples with the weight of life that brings him pain instead of peace. He expresses a desire for death over the agony of existence. This cry reflects the depth of his affliction and the psychological turmoil of a soul overwhelmed by sorrow. Job wishes for cessation, indicating a profound existential crisis.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes Job's despair, pointing to the grief that has moved him to wish for death. He interprets this longing as a reflection of Job's intense suffering and the feeling that life has lost its meaning due to his trials. Henry highlights the idea that even the strongest believers can experience moments of deep sorrow, questioning the purpose of their existence.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes reflects on the emotional and spiritual turmoil that leads someone like Job to think this way. He notes that Job’s statement reveals a state of mind where suffering becomes too great. Barnes interprets the "strangling" metaphorically, suggesting that Job feels his soul is already ensnared by anguish, viewing death as a preferred escape from relentless pain.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke takes an analytical approach, discussing the psychological implications of Job's thoughts. He explains that Job's anguish stems from a clash between his desire for life and his unbearable suffering. He interprets "strangling" not only in a physical sense but also as a deep emotional chokehold that Job experiences, reflecting his desire to end the oppression of his spirit.

Bible Cross-References

Job 7:15 connects with various other verses that echo similar themes of suffering, despair, and the desire for relief:

• Psalm 38:6-8: Reflects David's anguish and longing for relief from suffering.
• Ecclesiastes 2:17: Speaks of the weariness that life can bring.
• Jeremiah 20:14-18: Jeremiah expresses profound regret over his birth in the context of his suffering.
• Jonah 4:3: Jonah's desire for death reflects similar despair in the face of life's challenges.
• Philippians 1:21-23: Paul discusses the tension between life and death, showing a desire to depart and be with Christ.
• Revelation 21:4: Promises future relief from pain and suffering.
• Psalm 13:1-2: David's cry of despair and longing for God's presence in suffering parallels Job's sentiment.

Purpose of Cross-Referencing Verses

This cross-referencing highlights the thematic consistency found throughout the Scriptures concerning suffering and the desire for comfort. By examining these connections, readers can better understand the complexities of suffering and hope within the Biblical narrative.

Conclusion

Job's plea in Job 7:15 is a poignant reminder of human fragility in the face of suffering. Understanding this verse within the broader context of scripture and through the lens of historical commentary provides deeper insights. It invites believers to empathize with the struggles of righteous individuals like Job, who have walked through the valley of despair, longed for relief, and ultimately sought solace in the eternal promises of God.