Job 3:1-26
Q.1. How did the complaints of Job reveal the intensity of his suffering? Why did he envy those who had already died? How were his worst fears realized? – (Job.3:1-26)
When people are suffering to the point where they would genuinely prefer to be dead, we know that these people are suffering acutely. Job was at such a stage. In fact, he wished he had never been born in the first place. This was like the inner conflict of the prophet Jeremiah (Job 3:1-12 c.f. Jer.20:14-18). He even concluded that the dead, including babies who miscarried or were stillborn, were more at peace (Job 3:11-19). Job then raised the age-old question about suffering – 20 “Why is light given to him who suffers, and life to the bitter of soul, 21 Who long for death, but there is none, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures (Job 3:20-21). In his sorrow, Job described the longing of those who long to die, either because of extreme age and weariness, or who could find no relief in suffering. However, his reasoning was warped because of what he was going through. He declared – “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet, and I am not at rest, but turmoil comes.” (Job 3:26). While he enjoyed the prosperity and blessings that came from God, there was always a lingering thought that it may not last – “For what I fear comes upon me, And what I dread befalls me (Job 3:25 c.f. 2:10). Then, in a shocking series of reversals his worst fears were realized. Job was wise enough to understand that his blessings could be taken away. Nevertheless, the severity of his physical suffering and mental anguish were almost more than he could bear.