Job 7:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 7:15
15 So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
Chapter Context
Job 7 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, sacrifice, holiness. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 7:15
15 So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
Analysis
Job reaches the depths of despair: 'My soul chooseth strangling' (cheneq, חֶנֶק) 'and death rather than my life' (atsamot, עֲצָמוֹת, literally 'my bones' or 'my frame'). The verb 'chooseth' (bachar, בָּחַר) is the same used for God's election—Job 'elects' death over continued existence. This isn't mere death wish but considered preference for non-existence over unbearable suffering.
The honesty is shocking yet biblical. Scripture doesn't sanitize the depths of righteous suffering. Job joins other saints who wished for death: Moses (Numbers 11:15), Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14-18), Jonah (Jonah 4:3). God doesn't condemn their honesty but meets them in their despair. The Reformed tradition distinguishes between expressing death wishes in prayer versus pursuing suicide—one is honest lament, the other is sinful presumption.
Job's death wish anticipates the gospel paradox: we must die to self to truly live (Galatians 2:20). Job wants literal death; Christ calls us to death of the old man and resurrection of the new. Job's words, though spoken in ignorance of resurrection hope, point toward Christian mortification—choosing death to sin rather than continuation in it.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature occasionally expressed despair over life's burdens (Egyptian 'Dispute Between a Man and His Ba'), but Job's expression is notable for its directness and theological context. He maintains integrity while questioning whether existence itself is worthwhile—a profound philosophical and existential crisis.
Reflection
- How do we pastor those who honestly wish for death while preventing them from acting on those wishes?
- What does Job's death wish teach about the legitimacy of expressing our darkest thoughts to God in prayer?
- In what ways does the gospel's call to 'die to self' transform and fulfill Job's longing for death?