Job 10:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moses declares that a child is initially formed in the womb and subsequently receives a soul (Exodus 21:23). This occurs not by an external infusion of the soul nor is it a product of seed, but rather in accordance with the divine law that God established within human nature from the very beginning. This understanding is echoed by the courageous Job as he addresses his Creator: “Remember that thou didst create me, and bring me back to the earth again. Or didst thou not churn me up like milk, and put me to death like raw milk? And with skin and flesh hast thou clothed me, and with bones and veins hast thou sewn me together. Thou hast laid up for me life and favour: but hast Thy visitation kept my spirit?” (Job 10:9-12).

The one who asserts being fully shaped and adorned by God leaves no part of his spirit or flesh for those enveloped in darkness. He is molded, as it is stated, in accordance with the divine inner likeness, yet he is entirely clothed, as he noted, since he is encompassed by the covering of the body. It is significant that by proclaiming his formation by the hands of God, he exalts the dignity of his creation over the compassion of the Judge. Though everything was brought into existence through the Word, which is of the same essence as the Father, the act of creation itself demonstrates the exalted position of humanity above all beasts and the senseless entities of the heavens.

Job is left in wonder at the Lord, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, the One who not only fashioned humanity but also meticulously sustains life and upholds moral integrity. It astonishes him that the Lord would subject His creation to harsh trials for seemingly trivial transgressions and inflict such suffering upon him (Job 10:1-12). In his struggle to comprehend the reasons behind his righteous suffering and his inability to vindicate himself before God, Job expresses a preference for death over life, pleading for relief from the anguish of his remaining days (Job 10:13-22).