Bible Verse Commentary on Job 7:15

Verse: "So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life." (Job 7:15 KJV)

Overview: In Job 7:15, Job expresses his profound despair and torment during his suffering. This verse encapsulates the mental and emotional anguish that he feels, revealing how his circumstances have led him to an extreme state of hopelessness.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes Job's lamentation and the depth of his sorrow. According to Henry, Job's desire for death symbolizes his desire for relief from his unbearable pain. He views life as a burden due to excessive suffering, indicating that Job is not only distressed physically but is also mentally and spiritually oppressed.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes provides an interpretation focusing on the severity of Job's feelings. He notes that this verse highlights the extreme psychological state of a man who feels abandoned and tormented by God. Barnes argues that Job's wish for strangling represents a literal desire for release from suffering, suggesting a sense of despair that is almost suicidal in nature.

• Adam Clarke:

  Adam Clarke discusses the figurative language used in this verse. He interprets 'strangling' as a desperate plea for cessation from life's challenges, indicating that Job sees no other escape from his miserable situation. Clarke also suggests that the verse reflects a universal human sentiment: the struggle against despair and the yearning for peace in times of turmoil.

Analysis of the Verse

Job’s utterance in this verse signifies a critical moment in the narrative of suffering. It serves as a vessel for understanding the broader themes of human suffering, despair, and the quest for meaning in the midst of pain.

Key Themes and Concepts

• Despair and Hope: The tension between Job's wish for death and his need for hope showcases the depth of human emotions.
• Human Suffering: This verse speaks to the theme of suffering that runs throughout Job, resonating with all who undergo hardship.
• Divine Silence: Job’s cry reflects the feeling of abandonment that many experience during trials, emphasizing the struggle to understand God's will in times of distress.

Contextual Understanding

Understanding the historical context of Job's story is crucial in interpreting this verse. Job, a righteous man, faces inexplicable suffering. His lamentation reveals not only personal grief but also extends to a collective understanding of human suffering.

Application in Daily Life

This verse prompts reflection on how individuals address their struggles and seek relief. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health and emotional support during crises.

Related Cross References

• Psalm 88:3-5 – A cry of despair and the feeling of abandonment.
• Ecclesiastes 2:17 – The futility of life without joy.
• Jeremiah 20:14-18 – The lament of a righteous man amid suffering.

Conclusion

The exploration of Job 7:15 enriches our understanding of Scripture and provides a poignant look into the complexities of human emotion during hardship. The combined insights from various commentaries aid in grasping the depth of Job’s despair and the broader implications of suffering in faith.

For those engaged in Bible studies or Bible study groups, this verse exemplifies how much hope and suffering are intertwined, providing ample material for discussions on Bible verse meanings, Bible verse interpretations, and applying Bible verses to daily life.