Job 7:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If life is indeed a test, is it conceivable that a person undergoing such scrutiny could evade temptation? Hence, he states: ‘It is not for unrighteousness, but according to the nature of things that I must endure what I endure.’

As in athletics, the individual who seeks respite amid the contest faces perpetual shame and disgrace, while the one who steadfastly confronts every challenge receives from onlookers crowns, honor, and acclaim during the competition and at its conclusion—so too it is with us. Those who treat their labor as a time for leisure will find themselves in anguish and despair when the moment arrives for eternal rest; however, those who bravely navigate tribulations here will shine and bask in everlasting and true glory both in this life and the next. In worldly matters, a person who acts out of season fails to achieve his aims and exposes himself to countless misfortunes; the same applies even more so to one who is unaware of the appointed times in spiritual undertakings. Christ proclaimed: ‘in the world ye shall be afflicted’ (John 16:33). Paul, the blessed apostle, stated: ‘and all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Tim. 3:12), referring not only to human persecution but also to the schemes of evil spirits. Job declared: ‘temptation is the life of man on earth.’ So, what do you bemoan while enduring trials? To lament would only be warranted if we, when faced with the challenges that Christ referred to as the time of tribulation, attempted to transform them into moments of pleasure and rest—that is, if we indulged in idleness when the call was to labor and chose the broad path when commanded to follow the narrow one. For this neglect, we would inevitably incur punishment in the age to come. But what can be said of those who walk the broad path in this life only to expect respite afterwards? Who are these individuals? I trust only the statement of Christ, who affirms that ‘narrow and hard is the way that leadeth unto life’ (Matt. 7:14). It is evident to all that one cannot traverse both a narrow and a broad path simultaneously. If, in worldly contests, no one receives a crown without effort against tangible adversaries, how then do we expect to conquer the hostile forces that oppose us without experiencing grief and embarrassment?

He declares, "For I will enter into the place of the wonderful Tabernacle, even into the house of God" (Psalms 41:5). The Apostle Paul himself aspired to embrace this 'shadow,' desiring to be free from earthly constraints and to dwell with Christ (Philippians 1:23).

Those who have reached this shadow experience the fulfillment of their intense longings; they acknowledge, "We who have endured the heat and toil of the day" (Matthew 20:12). He referred to as one craving shade is rightly labeled a 'servant,' as every believer, while still bound by mortal frailties, remains under the burden of decay in their labor as though suffering from relentless heat. Yet, once freed from corruption, such an individual declares themselves liberated and at rest. The Apostle Paul rightly proclaimed, "the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Romans 8:21). If the faithful currently endure the weight of suffering in a corruptible existence, they shall eventually ascend to the heights of everlasting glory. The degree of confinement during our earthly trials will give way to the future freedom of God's children, ensuring that no hint of servitude remains in His faithful ones. The shackles of corruption will be cast off and the nobility of freedom will be granted, transforming believers into the glorious offspring of God, united with Him through the Spirit, and triumphing over the trials of this world.

The one who has longed for this 'shadow' remains a servant; as long as they face the heat of temptation, they bear the yoke of a mortal state, which parallels the laborer who eagerly anticipates the reward for their efforts. The laborer, upon reflecting on the burdensome tasks ahead, may feel discouraged by their length and difficulty. However, thoughts of reward encourage their spirit, enabling them to embrace their labor with renewed vigor despite its hardships. Similarly, the faithful endure life's trials, whether through slander, financial hardship, or bodily afflictions, and while these burdens weigh heavily upon them, they shift their perspective toward the promised heavenly inheritance. As they contemplate the reward, the hardships they face appear more manageable; for what seems unbearable in anguish is made bearable through the hope of recompense. The Apostle Paul illustrates this notion; although he faced profound adversity, he remained uplifted by the thought of his future rewards, stating that the sufferings of this present time are insignificant compared to the glory to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Thus, he embodies the laborer who, despite the toil of life, remains focused on the profound reward waiting at the end. Yet, he openly expresses, "I have inherited the months of vanity, and the weary nights are allotted to me." The elect serve the Creator and, despite their devotion, often yearn for worldly necessities. While anchored in love for God, they grapple with the insufficiency of earthly support and so experience the fleeting months void of purpose. These burdens can become unbearable when they manifest in the physical pain of adversity. It is often easier for virtuous souls to withstand lack; however, when faced with physical affliction, the anguish becomes undeniable. Each righteous individual might also be likened to a laborer spending months marked by emptiness, as, even after enduring hard labor, they await their due reward. Engaged in virtuous pursuits, they accumulate the trials of this life; yet, when one aspires to grow spiritually, they may find worldly challenges to be less burdensome.

In a deeper allegorical sense, if we apply these reflections to the voice of the Holy Church, they reveal a more precise significance. The Church herself endures the vain months, burdened as she is by her weaker members whose earthly actions yield little reward. She experiences weary nights as her stronger members grapple with manifold sorrows. In this life, some experiences are challenging, others are void of value, while some are both. It is indeed difficult to embrace earthly trials out of love for the Creator, yet it is not devoid of purpose. Conversely, indulging in worldly pleasures lacks depth yet does not pose great challenges. However, being caught in the throes of adversity due to worldly attachments brings forth both emptiness and struggle, as the soul feels the weight of affliction without the solace of recompense.

In those who are within the embrace of the Holy Church but still chase worldly pleasures, time is spent in vain months, as they navigate life devoid of reward. Yet for those dedicated to eternal aspirations, who encounter life's trials, they endure the labor of veiled sorrows amidst present darkness. Those torn between love for the fleeting world and discontent with its tribulations live out 'months of vanity' and 'weary nights,' receiving no ultimate recompense for their struggles, while still suffering under present afflictions. It is telling that the Church mentions 'months of vanity' instead of ‘days,’ as 'months' signifies the cumulative measure of days, encompassing each act; whereas 'days' refer to specific actions. It often occurs that while motivated by fervent hope, the tasks we engage in seem purposeful, but upon reflection at the end, if outcomes remain fruitless, we realize we have wasted both days and months in vain pursuits. For with each instance of distress that follows our endeavors, it feels as if the months marked by emptiness have been handed to us. It is only when we reach the conclusion of our actions that we grasp the futility of their labor.

The original Hebrew text reveals that Job was deeply troubled by the prospect of taking his own life, a notion that filled him with dread. After expressing his fear of unsettling visions, Job fervently begs the Lord to rescue him from death, undoubtedly referring to his dread of suicide.