Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

The Book of Job
Expository Commentary on the Book of Job
Bible Study – 16
In chapter 13 of the Book of Job, Job presents several profound theological truths. In chapter 14, however, he vividly describes the frailty of humanity, the sinful condition of mankind, the brevity and uncertainty of life, and the longing of a believer who looks forward with hope to what God has prepared beyond death.
This chapter is regarded as one of the significant passages in the Old Testament that points toward the hope of the resurrection. Although this hope is fully revealed in the New Testament through the resurrection of Christ, we can already see its first rays in the words of Job.
Let us now meditate on these truths.
1. The Short and Sorrowful Life of Man (Job 14:1–2)
The Lesson the Bible Teaches Us:
Truth:
Human life is not permanent.
Life in this world is filled with sorrow and uncertainty.
Job declares,
“Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”
These words clearly reveal the true nature of human life.
2. Man Must Give an Account of His Life Before God (Job 14:3)
No one is hidden from the sight of God.
One day every person must give an account of his life before Him.
3. Man Is Born with a Sinful Nature (Job 14:4)
The Bible teaches us that man cannot make himself holy.
"Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one."
This verse points to the sinful nature of mankind. David later explains this truth in Psalm 51:5, and the Apostle Paul further develops it in Romans 5:12.
4. Our Days Are Appointed by God (Job 14:5)
The length of man's life and its boundaries have been determined by God.
No one can extend his life apart from God's sovereign will.
5. Man's Helplessness in the Face of Death (Job 14:7–12)
Even a tree that has been cut down has hope of sprouting again.
But Job asks,
"What happens when a man dies?"
This passage beautifully portrays the helplessness of mankind before death.
6. Man's Longing to Understand What Lies Beyond Death (Job 14:13–15)
Having described man's weakness, the uncertainty of life, and the reality of death, Job concludes this section by expressing his deep struggle to understand what happens after death.
He cries,
"Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, that You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, that You would appoint me a set time and remember me!" (Job 14:13)
Then he asks one of the greatest questions ever raised:
"If a man dies, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14)
Yet, in the very next verse, Job expresses hope:
"You shall call, and I will answer You." (Job 14:15)
Here Job reveals his expectation that one day God will call him again.
This is one of the most significant passages in the Old Testament pointing toward the hope of the resurrection. That hope becomes even clearer in Job 19:25–27.
Finally, Job says,
“As water wears away stones and torrents wash away the soil, so You destroy a man's hope.” (Job 14:19)
With these words, Job pours out his sorrow and presents his questions before God.
However, as New Testament believers, we possess a far greater hope. We have the assurance that beyond death there is a glorious life, fully revealed through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).
It is true that this complete revelation had not yet been given to Job. Nevertheless, the longing for that hope and the expectation of it are clearly seen throughout his words.
Therefore, Job chapter 14 is a remarkable chapter that leads us to meditate deeply on the sinfulness of mankind, the brevity of life, the certainty of death, the sovereignty of God, and the hope of the resurrection.
This is a wonderful chapter worthy of meditation in every generation, at every time, and in every circumstance.

In God's Service,