Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. So am I made to possess ] But night is no relief to me, it is only a continuance of my anxiety and labour. I am like the hireling, I have my appointed labour for the day. I am like the soldier harassed by the enemy: I am obliged to be continually on the watch, always on the look out, with scarcely any rest.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - Job here excuses what he could not justify, his desire of death Observe man's present place: he is upon earth. He is yet on earth, no in hell. Is there not a time appointed for his abode here? yes certainly, and the appointment is made by Him who made us and sent u here. During that, man's life is a warfare, and as day-labourers, wh have the work of the day to do in its day, and must make up their account at night. Job had as much reason, he thought, to wish for death, as a poor servant that is tired with his work, has to wish for the shadows of the evening, when he shall go to rest. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet; nor can any rich man take so much satisfactio in his wealth, as the hireling in his day's wages. The comparison i plain; hear his complaint: His days were useless, and had long been so but when we are not able to work for God, if we sit still quietly for him, we shall be accepted. His nights were restless. Whatever i grievous, it is good to see it appointed for us, and as designed for some holy end. When we have comfortable nights, we must see them als appointed to us, and be thankful for them. His body was noisome. Se what vile bodies we have. His life was hastening apace. While we ar living, every day, like the shuttle, leaves a thread behind: many weav the spider's web, which will fail, ch. 8:14. But if, while we live, we live unto the Lord, in works of faith and labours of love, we shal have the benefit, for every man shall reap as he sowed, and wear as he wove.
Original Hebrew כן3651 הנחלתי5157 לי ירחי3391 שׁוא7723 ולילות3915 עמל5999 מנו׃4487
