Chapter 7

Life is short anyway and full of problems.  Aren't those enough without all that's been heaped on him?  

These verses illustrate the point.  The 'vehicle" Job uses is still to ask questions with obvious answers, leaving his accusers no room to argue.

1 "Has not man a hard service on earth, and are not his days like the days of a hired hand? [Job 7:1 ESV]

7 "Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good. [Job 7:7 ESV]

Since life us so short, and because time runs out so quickly, there is no time for subtle words:

11 "Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. [Job 7:11 ESV]

Job says he hasn't the time to suffer in silence, but will speak up about the injustice of his suffering.

2021 - Verse 11 jumps out at me again.  It is ok to complain to God.  He can take it.  Complain, but don't contradict.  Shout your agony to Him, ask for release, but never tell Him He has made a mistake.

This very dark statement:

16 I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath. [Job 7:16 ESV]

Ahh...these questions are addressed to God, not to Eliphaz and the others.  It is clear when you get to this verse:

20 If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you? [Job 7:20 ESV]

Job says that the life of one man is nothing to God, so why would just one man be put through so much?  What possible purpose can it have?  Why can't God just let him die?