Job 7:16

I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.

Study Bible

I loathe my life
The Hebrew word for "loathe" is "ma'as," which conveys a deep sense of rejection or despising. Job's expression here is one of profound despair and dissatisfaction with his current state. In the context of Job's suffering, this phrase reflects the depth of his anguish and the intensity of his emotional turmoil. Historically, this sentiment is not uncommon in the ancient Near Eastern literature, where laments often express a deep-seated aversion to life amidst suffering. For the conservative Christian, this highlights the reality of human suffering and the need for divine intervention and comfort.

I would not live forever
This phrase underscores Job's desire for an end to his suffering rather than an endless continuation of his current state. The Hebrew word "olam" often translated as "forever," can also mean a long duration or eternity. Job's wish not to live forever in his current condition reflects a yearning for relief and possibly an understanding of the limitations of earthly life. From a theological perspective, this can be seen as an acknowledgment of the temporal nature of human existence and the hope for something beyond this life, aligning with the Christian belief in eternal life through Christ.

Leave me alone
The plea "leave me alone" is a direct address to God, expressing Job's desire for respite from his suffering. The Hebrew verb "chadal" implies a cessation or rest. This reflects Job's feeling of being overwhelmed by his trials and his wish for a moment of peace. In the broader scriptural context, this can be seen as a moment of raw honesty in Job's relationship with God, illustrating that God allows His people to express their deepest emotions and struggles.

for my days are but a breath
The metaphor of life as a "breath" is a poignant reminder of the brevity and fragility of human existence. The Hebrew word "hebel," often translated as "breath" or "vapor," is also used in Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting nature of life. This imagery emphasizes the transient nature of human life and the futility of earthly struggles without divine purpose. For the conservative Christian, this serves as a call to focus on eternal truths and the hope found in God's promises, rather than the temporary trials of this world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.

3. Job's Suffering
The context of this verse is Job's lament over his intense suffering, which includes the loss of his children, wealth, and health.

Teaching Points

The Brevity of Life
Job's statement, "my days are but a breath," reminds us of the transient nature of our earthly existence. We should live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters.

The Reality of Suffering
Job's lament is a raw expression of human suffering. It teaches us that it is okay to bring our honest emotions before God, trusting that He understands our pain.

The Desire for Relief
Job's plea to be left alone reflects a deep desire for relief from his suffering. This can encourage us to seek God's comfort and presence in our own times of distress.

The Importance of Hope
While Job expresses despair, the broader account of Scripture encourages us to hold onto hope, knowing that God is sovereign and has a purpose even in our suffering.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite Job's anguish, the book ultimately points to God's sovereignty and wisdom, reminding us to trust Him even when we do not understand our circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's expression of loathing his life in Job 7:16 reflect the human experience of suffering, and how can we find comfort in God's Word during such times?

2. In what ways does the brevity of life, as mentioned in Job 7:16, influence how we prioritize our daily activities and long-term goals?

3. How can we reconcile Job's desire to be left alone with the biblical call to community and support from fellow believers?

4. What other biblical characters experienced similar feelings of despair, and how did their accounts resolve or provide hope?

5. How can the themes of suffering and the brevity of life in Job 7:16 encourage us to share the hope of the Gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 1:2
This verse echoes the sentiment of life's fleeting nature, similar to Job's expression of his days being "but a breath."

Psalm 39:5
This Psalm reflects on the brevity of life, paralleling Job's acknowledgment of the shortness of his days.

James 4:14
This New Testament verse also speaks to the transient nature of life, reinforcing the theme found in Job 7:16.