Hesychius of Jerusalem

5th centuryChurch Father

To prevent many from viewing the conclusion of his life with sorrow and despair, it is understandable that this virtuous individual inquires about the culmination of his struggles. Thus, Job proclaimed, ‘Before I depart, I will go away,’ and he asserted, ‘I will not return;’ which indicates he was referring to his mortal existence, suggesting: ‘Indeed, if I return here and find the fruit of my efforts, I shall not be weary, nor will I cease my contest with death in my challenges. Those who remain, recognizing my integrity, will witness my reward, for I am returning. However, if they observe me now, succumbing amid my tribulations, they may conclude that Job is wicked, or they might doubt the value of righteousness.’

4th centuryTeacher of the Church

It may seem that Job expresses his sentiments out of despair, but this notion is countered by God’s words, “Do you want to accuse me to justify yourself?” (Job 40:3). The same individual who previously lamented, “If I am guilty, woe is me” (Job 10:15), does so not to contradict himself, but to articulate the weight of his existence, a burden unknown to a wicked person who finds joy in this life. Additionally, Job wishes to elucidate to his friends the reason for his survival since birth, suggesting that his life must serve a purpose that merits bravery. Paul also alludes to the struggle of earthly existence, stating, “And if in this life alone we hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all men” (1 Cor. 15:19).

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Job encountered both the joys and the sorrows found in life; those devoid of corporeal existence neither revel in wealth nor suffer from grief. Although he was indeed blessed and prosperous, enjoying health, he faced temptations from the allure of this world. When his fortunes changed, he gained insight into the emptiness of worldly pleasures. He instructs us, saying, “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 reflects his profound distress. Job endured significant tribulations, feeling every sorrow acutely; had he been indifferent, it would have lacked any sense of valor. Through his prayers mingled with gratitude, he shows that he withstood all trials through divine strength. Paul echoes this when he states, “Not I, however, but grace with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). Job’s intention in offering such prayers before his departure is not self-serving but aimed at guiding his friends, who misjudged those in suffering as wicked and the prosperous as righteous. He desired their fair evaluation of him. Moreover, it is vital to recognize that Job does not reject the resurrection of the dead when he speaks of a realm devoid of light, where the lives of mortals are obscured. His courage shines through even amidst tribulation as he proclaims a forthcoming age. By asserting, “Before I depart; from whence I shall not return,” he acknowledges the resurrection. He refers to the dismal and dark land of eternal obscurity, where light and earthly life are absent, calling it life as he confronts the worst of realities. It was inappropriate for him to mention, “before I am in the kingdom of heaven and in the land of the promise of God.” Furthermore, he wishes to impart to his listeners a proper understanding of what is yet to occur, guiding them to amend their actions accordingly.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job is left to ponder how the Lord, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, not only fashioned humanity but also tends to its life and moral integrity with utmost care, could harshly persecute His creation for seemingly trivial transgressions and subject him to such suffering (Job 10: 1-12). In his confusion regarding the reasons behind his unjust afflictions and his struggle to defend himself before God, Job finds himself wishing for death over continued life, pleading for comfort in the remaining days of his painful existence (13-22).

Job 10:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Church Fathers on this verse

Hesychius of Jerusalem

Didymus the Blind

Ireneus (Orda)

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