7 "For there is hope for a tree , When it is cut down , that it will sprout again , And its shoots will not fail . 8 "Though its roots grow old in the ground And its stump dies in the dry soil , 9 At the scent of water it will flourish And put forth sprigs like a plant . 10 "But man dies and lies prostrate . Man expires , and where is he? 11 "As water evaporates from the sea , And a river becomes parched and dried up, 12 So man lies down and does not rise . Until the heavens are no longer , He will not awake nor be aroused out of his sleep . 13 "Oh e that You would hide me in Sheol , That You would conceal me until Your wrath returns to You, That You would set a limit for me and remember me! 14 "If a man dies , will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait Until my change comes . 15 "You will call , and I will answer You; You will long for the work of Your hands .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 14:7-15
Commentary on Job 14:7-15
(Read Job 14:7-15)
Though a tree is cut down, yet, in a moist situation, shoots come forth, and grow up as a newly planted tree. But when man is cut off by death, he is for ever removed from his place in this world. The life of man may fitly be compared to the waters of a land flood, which spread far, but soon dry up. All Job's expressions here show his belief in the great doctrine of the resurrection. Job's friends proving miserable comforters, he pleases himself with the expectation of a change. If our sins are forgiven, and our hearts renewed to holiness, heaven will be the rest of our souls, while our bodies are hidden in the grave from the malice of our enemies, feeling no more pain from our corruptions, or our corrections.