Job 14:9
at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling.
Yet at the scent of water
This phrase evokes a powerful image of hope and renewal. The Hebrew word for "scent" (רֵיחַ, reyach) suggests not just a physical smell but an anticipation or awareness of something life-giving. In the arid regions of the Near East, water is a precious and life-sustaining resource. The mere presence or promise of water can transform a barren landscape into a thriving one. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the refreshing and life-giving presence of God’s Spirit, which revives and restores the soul. In the broader biblical narrative, water often symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).

it will bud
The Hebrew verb used here, "צָמַח" (tsamach), means to sprout or grow. This word conveys a sense of new beginnings and the potential for life even after apparent death or dormancy. In the context of Job's suffering, this budding represents the hope of restoration and the possibility of new life emerging from despair. Biblically, this can be linked to the resurrection theme, where life triumphs over death, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate hope for believers.

and put forth twigs
The imagery of putting forth twigs suggests growth and expansion. The Hebrew word "קָצִיר" (qatsir) refers to the act of producing new shoots or branches. This signifies not just survival but thriving and flourishing. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the believer's growth in faith and righteousness, even amidst trials. The process of putting forth twigs can be likened to the sanctification process, where believers grow in their spiritual walk and bear fruit for God's kingdom (Galatians 5:22-23).

like a sapling
A sapling is a young tree, full of potential and promise. The Hebrew term "נֵצֶר" (netser) used here can also mean a shoot or branch, often associated with the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11:1, where a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse. This connection underscores the theme of hope and redemption, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bring life and salvation. For Job, the sapling represents the hope of restoration and the assurance that God can bring life out of death, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture and offers encouragement to believers facing their own trials.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His discourse in chapter 14 reflects on the brevity and suffering of human life.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the backdrop for Job's trials and dialogues.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer counsel and debate the reasons for his suffering. Their dialogues with Job form much of the book's content.

4. God
The ultimate authority and sovereign being who allows Job's trials and later responds to Job's questions and complaints.

5. Nature Imagery
The use of natural elements like water and plants in Job's discourse to illustrate spiritual truths and human experiences.
Teaching Points
Hope in Renewal
Just as a tree can revive at the scent of water, believers can find hope and renewal through God's presence and promises, even in the midst of suffering.

The Power of God's Word
Like water to a parched plant, God's word has the power to revive and sustain us. Regular engagement with Scripture is essential for spiritual growth and resilience.

Resilience in Trials
Job's reflection on nature teaches us about resilience. In our own trials, we can trust that God can bring new life and growth from our struggles.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Despite life's uncertainties, we can have faith in God's sovereign control and His ability to bring about restoration and new beginnings.

Symbolism of Water
Water symbolizes life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit. Recognizing these symbols can deepen our understanding of spiritual truths and God's work in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of a tree budding at the scent of water in Job 14:9 encourage you in your current life circumstances?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the "living water" of God's word into your daily routine to ensure spiritual growth and resilience?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced renewal or new beginnings after a period of difficulty. How did your faith play a role in that process?

4. How can the symbolism of water in the Bible enhance your understanding of God's provision and presence in your life?

5. Considering the broader context of Job's suffering, how can you apply the lessons of patience and trust in God's sovereignty to your own challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 1
This Psalm contrasts the righteous with the wicked, using the imagery of a tree planted by streams of water, which bears fruit and does not wither. This connects to Job 14:9 by emphasizing the life-giving power of water, symbolizing God's provision and blessing.

Isaiah 55:10-11
These verses describe how rain and snow water the earth, making it bud and flourish. This imagery parallels Job 14:9, highlighting the transformative power of God's word and presence.

John 4:14
Jesus speaks of the living water that He provides, which becomes a spring of water welling up to eternal life. This connection underscores the spiritual renewal and hope found in Christ, akin to the budding plant in Job 14:9.
Self-Defence Before GodE. Johnson Job 14:1-12
Sad Views of LifeR. Green Job 14:7-10
Is There a Life Beyond the Grave?W.F. Adeney Job 14:7-14
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Boughs, Branches, Bring, Bud, Buds, Crop, Flourish, Forth, Fragrance, Plant, Scent, Shoots, Smell, Sprigs, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 14:1-12

     5004   human race, and sin

Job 14:1-22

     8615   prayer, doubts

Job 14:7-9

     4504   roots

Job 14:7-12

     5916   pessimism

Library
February 18 Evening
Adam . . . begat a son in his own likeness.--GEN. 5:3. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?--Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Dead in trespasses and sins; . . . by nature the children of wrath, even as others.--I am carnal, sold under sin. That which I do I allow not; for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing. By one man sin entered into the world, . . . by one man's
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 22 Evening
There is a hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.--JOB 14:7. A bruised reed shall he not break.--He restoreth my soul. Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.--No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceful fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Before I was afflicted
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 19 Evening
Consolation in Christ, . . . comfort of love, . . . fellowship of the Spirit.--PHI. 2:1. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.--My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. The Father . . . shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever: the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name.--Blessed be God,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Job's Question, Jesus' Answer
'If a man die, shall he live again?'--JOB xiv. 14. '... I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.'--JOHN xi. 25, 26. Job's question waited long for an answer. Weary centuries rolled away; but at last the doubting, almost despairing, cry put into the mouth of the man of sorrows of the Old Testament is answered by the Man of Sorrows of the New. The answer in words is this second
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Unanswerable Question.
"Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one."--JOB xiv. 4. This is one of those simple questions which, by their very simplicity and directness, set us thinking about the importance of our personal life. "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" But all our common life is somehow the outcome of our separate individual lives--of your life and mine. Therefore how important it is in the common interest that each of us should look above all things to his own life and its character,
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

A Voice from the Hartley Colliery
This text is appropriate to the occasion, but God alone knoweth how applicable the discourse may be to some here present; yes, to young hearts little dreaming that there is but a step between them and death; to aged persons, who as yet have not set their house in order, but who must do it, for they shall die and not live. We will take the question of the text, and answer it upon Scriptural grounds. "If a man die, shall he live again?" NO!--YES! I. We answer the question first with a "No." He shall
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

The Voice of Job.
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! If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.'--Job xiv. 13-15. The book of Job seems to me the most daring of poems: from a position of the most vantageless realism, it assaults the very
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Meditations for the Evening.
At evening, when thou preparest thyself to take thy rest, meditate on these few points:-- 1. That seeing thy days are numbered (Psal. xc.; Job xiv. 5), there is one more of thy number spent, and thou art now the nearer to thy end by a day. 2. Sit down a while before thou goest to bed, and consider with thyself what memorable thing thou hast seen, heard, or read that day, more than thou sawest, heardst, or knewest before, and make the best use of them; but especially call to mind what sin thou hast
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

My God! I Know that I must Die.
"Mein Gott! ich weiss wohl dass lch sterbe." Job 14:11,12. [13]B. Schmolk. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1854 My God! I know that I must die-- My mortal life is passing hence On earth I neither hope nor try To find a lasting residence. Then teach me by Thy heavenly grace, With joy and peace my death to face. My God! I know not when I die, What is the moment or the hour-- How soon the clay may broken lie, How quickly pass away the flower; Then may Thy child prepared be Through time to meet Eternity.
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Life, Death, and Judgment. --Job xiv. 1-3. 11-13.
Life, Death, and Judgment.--Job xiv. 1-3. 11-13. Few, few and evil are thy days, Man, of a woman born; Peril and trouble haunt thy ways; Forth, like a flower at morn, The tender infant springs to light, Youth blossoms to the breeze, Age, withering age, is cropt ere night; Man like a shadow flees. And dost thou look on such an one? Will God to judgment call A worm, for what a worm hath done Against the Lord of all? As fail the waters from the deep, As summer-brooks run dry, Man lieth down in dreamless
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Whether one Can be Happy in this Life?
Objection 1: It would seem that Happiness can be had in this life. For it is written (Ps. 118:1): "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord." But this happens in this life. Therefore one can be happy in this life. Objection 2: Further, imperfect participation in the Sovereign Good does not destroy the nature of Happiness, otherwise one would not be happier than another. But men can participate in the Sovereign Good in this life, by knowing and loving God, albeit imperfectly.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There is to be a Resurrection of the Body?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is not to be a resurrection of the body: for it is written (Job 14:12): "Man, when he is fallen asleep, shall not rise again till the heavens be broken." But the heavens shall never be broken, since the earth, to which seemingly this is still less applicable, "standeth for ever" (Eccles. 1:4). Therefore the man that is dead shall never rise again. Objection 2: Further, Our Lord proves the resurrection by quoting the words: "I am the God of Abraham, and the God
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Time of Our Resurrection Should be Delayed Till the End of the World?
Objection 1: It would seem that the time of the resurrection ought not to be delayed till the end of the world, so that all may rise together. For there is more conformity between head and members than between one member and another, as there is more between cause and effect than between one effect and another. Now Christ, Who is our Head, did not delay His resurrection until the end of the world, so as to rise again together with all men. Therefore there is no need for the resurrection of the early
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Resurrection Will Take Place at Night-Time?
Objection 1: It would seem that the resurrection will not be at night-time. For the resurrection will not be "till the heavens be broken" (Job 14:12). Now when the heavenly movement ceases, which is signified by its breaking, there will be no time, neither night nor day. Therefore the resurrection will not be at night-time. Objection 2: Further, the end of a thing ought to be most perfect. Now the end of time will be then: wherefore it is said (Apoc. 10:6) that "time shall be no longer." Therefore
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Separated Souls Know that Takes Place on Earth?
Objection 1: It would seem that separated souls know what takes place on earth; for otherwise they would have no care for it, as they have, according to what Dives said (Lk. 16:27,28), "I have five brethren . . . he may testify unto them, lest they also come into the place of torments." Therefore separated souls know what passes on earth. Objection 2: Further, the dead often appear to the living, asleep or awake, and tell them of what takes place there; as Samuel appeared to Saul (1 Kings 28:11).
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Man May Merit for Himself the First Grace?
Objection 1: It would seem that a man may merit for himself the first grace, because, as Augustine says (Ep. clxxxvi), "faith merits justification." Now a man is justified by the first grace. Therefore a man may merit the first grace. Objection 2: Further, God gives grace only to the worthy. Now, no one is said to be worthy of some good, unless he has merited it condignly. Therefore we may merit the first grace condignly. Objection 3: Further, with men we may merit a gift already received. Thus if
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Body Rose Again Entire?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's body did not rise entire. For flesh and blood belong to the integrity of the body: whereas Christ seems not to have had both, for it is written (1 Cor. 15:50): "Flesh and blood can not possess the kingdom of God." But Christ rose in the glory of the kingdom of God. Therefore it seems that He did not have flesh and blood. Objection 2: Further, blood is one of the four humors. Consequently, if Christ had blood, with equal reason He also had the other humors,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Saints have Knowledge of Our Prayers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the saints have no knowledge of our prayers. For a gloss on Is. 62:16, "Thou art our father and Abraham hath not known us, and Israel hath been ignorant of us," says that "the dead saints know not what the living, even their own children, are doing." This is taken from Augustine (De Cura pro Mort. xiii), where he quotes the aforesaid authority, and the following are his words: "If such great men as the patriarchs knew not what was happening to the people begotten of
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Damned See the Glory of the Blessed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the damned do not see the glory of the blessed. For they are more distant from the glory of the blessed than from the happenings of this world. But they do not see what happens in regard to us: hence Gregory commenting on Job 14:21, "Whether his children come to honor," etc. says (Moral. xii): "Even as those who still live know not in what place are the souls of the dead; so the dead who have lived in the body know not the things which regard the life of those who
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Moral Depravity.
VIII. Let us consider the proper method of accounting for the universal and total moral depravity of the unregenerate moral agents of our race. In the discussion of this subject, I will-- 1. Endeavor to show how it is not to be accounted for. In examining this part of the subject, it is necessary to have distinctly in view that which constitutes moral depravity. All the error that has existed upon this subject, has been founded in false assumptions in regard to the nature or essence of moral depravity.
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made Accursed and Degenerate. Of Original Sin.
1. The knowledge of ourselves most necessary. To use it properly we must be divested of pride, and clothed with true humility, which will dispose us to consider our fall, and embrace the mercy of God in Christ. 2. Though there is plausibility in the sentiment which stimulates us to self-admiration, the only sound sentiment is that which inclines us to true humbleness of mind. Pretexts for pride. The miserable vanity of sinful man. 3. Different views taken by carnal wisdom and by conscience, which
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Original Sin. Rom. 5:12, Etc. ; Psa. 51:5; Job 14:04
Original sin. Rom. 5:12, etc.; Psa. 51:5; Job 14:4. Backward with humble shame we look On our original; How is our nature dashed and broke In our first father's fall! To all that's good averse and blind, But prone to all that's ill What dreadful darkness veils our mind! How obstinate our will! [Conceived in sin, O wretched state! Before we draw our breath The first young pulse begins to beat Iniquity and death. How strong in our degen'rate blood The old corruption reigns, And, mingling with the
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A Wise Desire
I remember once going to a chapel where this happened to be the text, and the good man who occupied the pulpit was more than a little of an Arminian. Therefore, when he commenced, he said, "This passage refers entirely to our temporal inheritance. It has nothing whatever to do with our everlasting destiny: for," said he, "We do not want Christ to choose for us in the matter of heaven or hell. It is so plain and easy that every man who has a grain of common sense will choose heaven; and any person
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

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