Job - Chapter 14

Job 14.1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. Job 14.2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. Job 14.3 And doth thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Job 14.4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Job 14.5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; Job 14.6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day. Job 14.7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Job 14.8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Job 14.9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. Job 14.10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? Job 14.11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: Job 14.12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. Job 14.13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! Job 14.14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14.15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. Job 14.16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin? Job 14.17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity. Job 14.18 And surely the mountains falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. Job 14.19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man. Job 14.20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. Job 14.21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. Job 14.22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.

Job : Chapter 14

Reflections on Mortality in the Book of Job Chapter 14 of Job offers a profound meditation on human mortality. In his grief and search for meaning, Job examines the brevity and fragility of life. Through poetic metaphors, he compares human existence to a fleeting flower and ponders the possibility of life after death. This chapter explores universal themes such as sin, the desire to escape divine judgment, and the hope, however faint, of renewal. Job 14 raises existential questions that resonate through the ages.

Meditation on Enlightening Biblical Passages

To enrich our understanding of the thoughts expressed in this philosophical chapter, let's meditate on five biblical passages that shed light on Job's reflections.

Psalms 103:15-16

"A man's life is like grass; he flourishes like the flower of the field; but when the wind blows through him, he disappears; and you will not know your place."

This verse echoes Job's reflections in Job 14:1-2 on the brevity of human life, emphasizing the fragility of our existence.

Ecclesiastes 3:20

"Everyone goes to the same place; all come from the dust, and to dust all return."

This relates to Job 14:10-12, which addresses the finiteness of human life and our return to our origins.

1 Corinthians 15:42-43

"So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable and what is raised is imperishable; what is sown in dishonor and raised in glory; what is sown in weakness and raised in power."

This passage contrasts with Job's pessimistic view in Job 14:14, thus offering a prospect of hope in the resurrection.

Romans 8:20-21

"For the creation is subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in the hope that creation itself will be delivered from its bondage to corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."

This verse offers a broader perspective on the theme of corruption and renewal, addressed in Job 14:7-9, reminding us of the hope that accompanies suffering.

John 5:28-29

"Do not marvel at this, for the time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out; those who have done good will rise, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned."

This passage contrasts with Job's doubt in Job 14:14 about the possibility of life after death, encouraging us to maintain faith in the promise of resurrection.

Meditating on these texts, we are invited to reflect on our own existence, the fragility of life, and the hope of eternal renewal promised by our faith.