Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. When I lie down ] I have so little rest, that when I do lie down I long for the return of the light, that I may rise. Nothing can better depict the state of a man under continual afflictions, which afford him no respite, his days and his nights being spent in constant anguish, utterly unable to be in any one posture, so that he is continually changing his position in his bed, finding ease nowhere: thus, as himself expresses it, he is full of tossings.
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 אם518 שׁכבתי7901 ואמרתי559 מתי4970 אקום6965 ומדד4059 ערב6153 ושׂבעתי7646 נדדים5076 עדי5704 נשׁף׃5399
