Job 7:1
"Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand?
Is not man
The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אֱנוֹשׁ" (enosh), which often emphasizes the frailty and mortality of humanity. This term is used to reflect on the human condition, highlighting the inherent weakness and vulnerability of mankind. In the context of Job, it underscores the existential struggle and the transient nature of human life. The rhetorical question invites readers to consider the universal experience of human suffering and toil.

consigned to labor
The phrase "consigned to labor" suggests a sense of inevitability and duty. The Hebrew root "צָבָא" (tsaba) can imply being drafted or enlisted, often used in military contexts. This conveys the idea that labor is not merely a choice but an assignment or obligation placed upon humanity. It reflects the post-Fall condition described in Genesis, where labor becomes a part of the human experience due to sin. This labor is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, encompassing the entirety of human struggle.

on earth
The term "earth" in Hebrew is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can mean land, ground, or the world. It reminds us of the earthly realm where human life unfolds, distinct from the heavenly or spiritual realms. This emphasizes the temporal and often harsh reality of life on earth, where man must toil and face the consequences of a fallen world. It also points to the biblical narrative of creation, where man was formed from the dust of the ground, linking humanity's labor to the very substance of the earth.

Are not his days
The phrase "his days" refers to the limited and finite nature of human life. In Hebrew, "יָמִים" (yamim) is used, which can denote both the literal days and the broader span of one's life. This reflects the biblical understanding that human life is brief and filled with toil, as echoed in other wisdom literature like Psalms and Ecclesiastes. It serves as a reminder of the brevity and preciousness of life, urging a reflection on how one spends their days.

like those of a hired hand?
The comparison to "a hired hand" uses the Hebrew "שָׂכִיר" (sakhir), which refers to a laborer or mercenary who works for wages. This imagery evokes the idea of working under obligation, often without personal fulfillment or lasting reward. It suggests a life of routine and hardship, where one's efforts are temporary and transactional. In the ancient Near Eastern context, hired hands were often seen as outsiders, lacking the security and inheritance of family. This metaphor highlights the transient and often unsatisfying nature of human labor, pointing to a deeper longing for purpose and rest that can only be fulfilled in God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His account is set in the land of Uz, a place of uncertain location, often associated with the region east of Israel.

2. God
The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing to demonstrate the depth of Job's faith and to reveal divine wisdom and justice.

3. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity and protection from God.

4. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer comfort but end up accusing him of sin as the cause of his suffering.

5. The Hired Hand
A metaphor used by Job to describe the transient and laborious nature of human life, emphasizing the toil and temporary nature of earthly existence.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Human Toil
Life on earth involves labor and struggle, a reality that is part of the human condition since the Fall. Recognizing this can help us manage expectations and find purpose in our work.

The Transience of Life
Like a hired hand, our time on earth is temporary. This perspective encourages us to focus on eternal values and invest in what truly matters.

Finding Rest in God
While earthly life is filled with toil, Jesus offers spiritual rest and peace. Turning to Him can provide relief from life's burdens.

The Purpose of Suffering
Job's account reminds us that suffering can have a purpose beyond our understanding, often refining our faith and character.

Compassion for the Suffering
Job's experience calls us to show empathy and support to those who are enduring hardship, rather than offering judgment or simplistic answers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's description of life as laborious resonate with your own experiences? What aspects of your life feel like the work of a hired hand?

2. In what ways can understanding the temporary nature of life influence your priorities and decisions?

3. How can the promise of rest in Christ (Matthew 11:28-30) change your perspective on the burdens you face?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did it impact your faith and understanding of God's purpose?

5. How can you offer genuine support and compassion to someone who is going through a difficult time, following the lessons from Job's interactions with his friends?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3:17-19
This passage describes the curse of labor and toil as a result of the Fall, connecting to Job's lament about the burdensome nature of human life.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
Solomon reflects on the futility and weariness of human labor, echoing Job's sentiments about the struggles of life.

Psalm 90:10
Moses speaks of the brevity and toil of human life, similar to Job's description of life as laborious and fleeting.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus offers rest to those who labor and are burdened, providing a contrast to the weariness described by Job.
An Appointed TimeJames Parsons.Job 7:1
Life as a ClockJ. Holmes.Job 7:1
The Hand of God in the History of a ManSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJob 7:1
The Days of a HirelingW.F. Adeney Job 7:1-3
The Days of the HirelingR. Green Job 7:1-6
The Weariness of SorrowR. Green Job 7:1-6
The Weakness of Man's Appeal to the Clemency of GodE. Johnson Job 7:1-10
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Appointed, Aren't, Forced, Hired, Hireling, Isn't, Labor, Labour, Ordered, Payment, Servant, Service, Trouble, Warfare, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 7:1

     5081   Adam, life of
     5483   punishment

Job 7:1-2

     5522   servants, work conditions

Job 7:1-3

     5337   hiring
     5603   wages

Library
December 4 Evening
I would not live alway.--JOB 7:16. And I said, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. In this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.--Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 12 Evening
When shall I arise, and the night be gone?--JOB 7:4. Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh. Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.--He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

"Am I a Sea, or a Whale?"
On Thursday Evening, May 7th, 1891. "Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?"--Job 7:12. JOB WAS IN GREAT PAIN when he thus bitterly complained. These moans came from him when his skin was broken and had become loathsome and he sat upon a dunghill and scraped himself with a potsherd. We wonder at his patience, but we do not wonder at his impatience. He had fits of complaining, and failed in that very patience for which he was noted. Where God's saints are most glorious, there you
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Of Resisting Temptation
So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and trial. Wherefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the earth is a trial.(1) And therefore ought each of us to give heed concerning trials and temptations, and watch unto prayer, lest the devil find occasion to deceive; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour. No man is so perfect in holiness that he hath never temptations, nor can we ever be wholly free from them. 2. Yet, notwithstanding, temptations
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Pursues the Same Matter.
104. Thou must know that in this unspeakable Sacrament, Christ is united with the Soul, is made one thing with it, whose fineness and purity is the most profound and admirable, and the most worthy of consideration and thanks. Great was the pureness of him in being made Man; greater that of dying ignominiously on the Cross for our sake, but the giving of himself whole and entire to man in this admirable Sacrament, admits no comparison: This is singular favour, and infinite pureness: because there
Miguel de Molinos—The Spiritual Guide which Disentangles the Soul

Whether the Aureole is the Same as the Essential Reward which is Called the Aurea?
Objection 1: It would seem that the aureole is not distinct from the essential reward which is called the "aurea." For the essential reward is beatitude itself. Now according to Boethius (De Consol. iii), beatitude is "a state rendered perfect by the aggregate of all goods." Therefore the essential reward includes every good possessed in heaven; so that the aureole is included in the "aurea." Objection 2: Further, "more" and "less" do not change a species. But those who keep the counsels and commandments
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Souls who are in Heaven or Hell are Able to Go from Thence?
Objection 1: It would seem that the souls in heaven or hell are unable to go from thence. For Augustine says (De Cura pro Mort. xiii): "If the souls of the dead took any part in the affairs of the living, to say nothing of others, there is myself whom not for a single night would my loving mother fail to visit since she followed me by land and sea in order to abide with me": and from this he concludes that the souls of the departed do not mingle in the affairs of the living. But they would be able
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of the Lack of all Comfort
It is no hard thing to despise human comfort when divine is present. It is a great thing, yea very great, to be able to bear the loss both of human and divine comfort; and for the love of God willingly to bear exile of heart, and in nought to seek oneself, nor to look to one's own merit. What great matter is it, if thou be cheerful of heart and devout when favour cometh to thee? That is an hour wherein all rejoice. Pleasantly enough doth he ride whom the grace of God carrieth. And what marvel,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

And what Members of the Holy Body, which is the Church...
40. And what members of the holy body, which is the Church, ought more to take care, that upon them the holy Spirit may rest, than such as profess virginal holiness? But how doth He rest, where He findeth not His own place? what else than an humbled heart, to fill, not to leap back from; to raise up, not to weigh down? whereas it hath been most plainly said, "On whom shall rest My Spirit? On him that is humble and quiet, and trembles at My words." [2157] Already thou livest righteously, already thou
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

"Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing," &C.
Rom. xv. 13.--"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing," &c. It is usual for the Lord in his word to turn his precepts unto promises, which shows us, that the commandments of God do not so much import an ability in us, or suppose strength to fulfil them, as declare that obligation which lies upon us, and his purpose and intention to accomplish in some, what he requires of all: and therefore we should accordingly convert all his precepts unto prayers, seeing he hath made
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God.
Exod. iii. 14.--"I AM THAT I AM."--Psal. xc. 2.--"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God."--Job xi. 7-9.--"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea." This is the chief point of saving knowledge,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

What Now Shall I Say Concerning the Very Carefulness and Watchfulness against Sin? "Who...
48. What now shall I say concerning the very carefulness and watchfulness against sin? "Who shall boast that he hath a chaste heart? or who shall boast that he is clean from sin?" [2200] Holy virginity is indeed inviolate from the mother's womb; but "no one," saith he, "is clean in Thy sight, not even the infant whose life is of one day upon the earth." [2201] There is kept also in faith inviolate a certain virginal chastity, whereby the Church is joined as a chaste virgin unto One Husband: but That
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Value of this Doctrine
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching,"
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6.--"And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Here they join the punishment with the deserving cause, their uncleanness and their iniquities, and so take it upon them, and subscribe to the righteousness of God's dealing. We would say this much in general--First, Nobody needeth to quarrel God for his dealing. He will always be justified when he is judged. If the Lord deal more sharply with you than with others, you may judge there is a difference
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
1, 2. The vanity of those pleas which sinners may secretly confide in, is so apparent that they will be ashamed at last to mention them before God.--3. Such as, that they descended from pious us parents.--4. That they had attended to the speculative part of religion.--5. That they had entertained sound notion..--6, 7. That they had expressed a zealous regard to religion, and attended the outward forms of worship with those they apprehended the purest churches.--8. That they had been free from gross
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Letter Xlvi (Circa A. D. 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To Guigues, the Prior, And to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He discourses much and piously of the law of true and sincere charity, of its signs, its degrees, its effects, and of its perfection which is reserved for Heaven (Patria). Brother Bernard, of Clairvaux, wishes health eternal to the most reverend among fathers, and to the dearest among friends, Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy Monks who are with him. 1. I have received the letter of your Holiness as joyfully
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch:
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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