Hesychius of Jerusalem

5th centuryChurch Father

To prevent many from viewing the conclusion of his life with sorrow and despair, it is reasonable that this virtuous man inquires about the outcome of his afflictions. Thus, Job proclaimed, “Before I depart, I will go away,” and he added, “I will not return;” indicating clearly that he referred to his earthly existence, as if he were saying: “Indeed, if I come back here and discover the rewards of my efforts, I shall not be fatigued, nor will I abandon my fight against death in my tribulations. Those present, aware of my integrity, will witness my reward, for I am returning. Yet if they behold me now succumbing in my struggles, they may either conclude that Job is unrighteous or presume that there is no advantage to living righteously.

4th centuryTeacher of the Church

It might seem that he expresses this out of despair, yet such an assumption is contradicted by God's declaration: “Do you want to accuse me to justify yourself?” (Job 40:3). The one who earlier lamented, “If I am guilty, woe is me” (Job 10:15), does not voice this to contradict himself but rather to illustrate the heavy burdens of his existence—something a wicked individual would not articulate, as their joy lies in worldly pleasures. Furthermore, he seeks to clarify for his friends why he survived his birth, indicating that there must be a reason for his perseverance. The life in the flesh is also acknowledged, as Paul states: “And if in this life alone we hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all men” (1 Cor. 15:19). Job encountered both the delights and the hardships of life.

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Those separated from the flesh find no joy in wealth and indulgence, nor are they tormented by sorrow. He faced the temptations of this world, being blessed with prosperity, abundance, and health; yet when his circumstances changed, he recognized the emptiness of earthly joys. He teaches us to remain unenticed by such attractions, expressing, “And why hast Thou brought me forth from the womb? Let me die, that no eye should see me, that I should be as one who has not existed.” This was his supplication. For he was besieged by great afflictions and did not remain unaffected by his sorrows. If he had felt nothing, there would have been no valor in his experience. Through his prayers of thanksgiving, Job demonstrates that he endured all through the strength of God. Paul echoes this sentiment: “Not I, however, but grace with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). Job intended to offer such a prayer before departing from a place he would not return to. He prayed not solely for himself, but to enlighten his friends, who viewed those suffering misfortune as immoral, while perceiving the prosperous as righteous. His desire was for his friends to judge him with discernment. It's important to note that Job does not renounce the resurrection of the dead, asserting instead: “Where there is no light and it is impossible to see the life of mortals.” As the most courageous among men, he foresaw a future hope, even in his tribulations. Hence, he did not reject the notion of resurrection when he stated, “Before I depart; from whence I shall not return.” He refers to the desolate realm of everlasting darkness, where there is neither light nor mortal existence, as that state where he first submits himself to the harshest conditions. It would not be appropriate for him to express, “before I am in the kingdom of heaven and in the land of the promise of God.” Furthermore, he desires those who hear him to form a correct understanding of matters yet to unfold, so that they might amend their actions accordingly.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job contemplates the nature of the Lord, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, not only the creator of humanity but also one who diligently sustains life and upholds moral integrity. He is bewildered by the fact that such a God would inflict severe suffering upon His creation for relatively trivial transgressions, and thus torments Job (10: 1-12). In his struggle to understand the reasons behind his unjust suffering and his inability to defend himself before the Almighty, Job finds himself preferring death over life, pleading for relief from the anguish that marks his remaining days (13-22).

Job 10:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Church Fathers on this verse

Hesychius of Jerusalem

Didymus the Blind

Ireneus (Orda)

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