Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. For there is hope of a tree ] We must not, says Calmet, understand this of an old tree, the stem and roots of which are dried up and rotted: but there are some trees which grow from cuttings, and some which, though pulled out of the earth, and having had their roots dried and withered by long exposure to the sun and wind, will, on being replanted, take root and resume their verdure. There are also certain trees, the fibres of which are so solid, that if after several years they be steeped in water, they resume their vigour, the tubes dilate, and the blossoms or flowers which were attached to them expand; as I have often witnessed in what is called the rose of Jericho. There are few trees which will not send forth new shoots, when the stock is cut down level with the earth.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-15 - Though a tree is cut down, yet, in a moist situation, shoots com forth, and grow up as a newly planted tree. But when man is cut off by death, he is for ever removed from his place in this world. The life of man may fitly be compared to the waters of a land flood, which sprea far, but soon dry up. All Job's expressions here show his belief in the great doctrine of the resurrection. Job's friends proving miserabl comforters, he pleases himself with the expectation of a change. If ou sins are forgiven, and our hearts renewed to holiness, heaven will be the rest of our souls, while our bodies are hidden in the grave from the malice of our enemies, feeling no more pain from our corruptions or our corrections.
Original Hebrew כי3588 ישׁ3426 לעץ6086 תקוה8615 אם518 יכרת3772 ועוד5750 יחליף2498 וינקתו3127 לא3808 תחדל׃2308
