Job 3:20

Third long strophe THE IMPENETRABLE MYSTERIOUSNESS OF A LIFE OF MISERY, Job 3:20-26.

a. Why is life given to the wretched, when death is so much to be preferred? Job 3:20-22.

20. Wherefore is light given Literally, Wherefore doth he give light? which is far more expressive. The poet omits the name of deity, either because of secret misgiving as to the propriety of asking such a question, or because, in the bitterness of his heart, he grudges to name God. In the same manner, Adam, sullenly referring to his wife, (Genesis 3:12,) calls her she, not deigning to mention the once dear name, Eve. Hirtzel, however, adduces many passages where, in like manner, Job omits the name of God. (Job 8:18; Job 12:13; Job 16:7; Job 20:23; Job 22:21; Job 24:22-23, etc.; also Proverbs 10:24.) Notwithstanding, this significant silence at least an incipient suspense of faith already shadows forth the fierce storm in which passion will more directly arraign the ways of God. The most that Job now does, is to intimate that God is at the base of a scheme that thrusts life upon those who are too wretched to live. The poet (Longfellow) has truly sung

“This life of ours is a wild Eolian harp of many a joyous strain,

Yet under them all there runs a loud perpetual wail, as of souls in pain.”

Why has life been given to such? The question cannot be answered apart from belief in another life. The only key which unlocks the mystery of existence is that which faith proffers. This life is meant for soul-discipline. It is a brief but sharp tutelage for the true existence, which commences with death. (See an able sermon by Dr. Olin on “Life Inexplicable Except as a Probation,” page 28.)