7 For there is of a tree hope, if it be cut down, That again it doth change, That its tender branch doth not cease. 8 If its root becometh old in the earth, And its stem doth die in the dust, 9 From the fragrance of water it doth flourish, And hath made a crop as a plant. 10 And a man dieth, and becometh weak, And man expireth, and where 'is' he? 11 Waters have gone away from a sea, And a river becometh waste and dry. 12 And man hath lain down, and riseth not, Till the wearing out of the heavens they awake not, Nor are roused from their sleep. 13 O that in Sheol Thou wouldst conceal me, Hide me till the turning of Thine anger, Set for me a limit, and remember me. 14 If a man dieth—doth he revive? All days of my warfare I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou dost call, and I—I answer Thee; To the work of Thy hands Thou hast desire.
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.