God’s compassion exceeds our struggle, and He hears the cry of every weary soul.
Job is a central figure of wisdom literature, believed to have lived around 2000 BC in the land of Uz, an area east of Canaan. In the midst of his suffering and deep lament, he pleads with God to lessen divine scrutiny. He says, “So turn Your gaze from him that he may rest, Until he fulfills his day like a hired man.” (v.6) The “him” in this verse refers to humanity in general and to Job himself in particular, reflecting his intense desire for relief from his agonies, if only temporarily. Job’s imagery of a hired man underscores the sense of limited days and strenuous labor that must be endured before final release, conveying how finite and fragile human life truly is.
By asking God to “turn Your gaze,” Job implies that the constant attention of the Almighty can bring both blessing and judgment. In this case, Job longs for respite, likening his suffering to the toil of a laborer. This sentiment connects to the broader biblical theme of humanity’s dependence on God (Psalms 39:4-5). Jesus later extends hope by offering rest to those who labor under the weight of sin and struggle (Matthew 11:28). Job’s plea can be seen as a desperate cry for the same sort of mercy and rest that Jesus promises, highlighting humankind’s universal need for divine compassion.
In the broader narrative of Job’s story, this request for God to “turn away” is not a rejection of God’s sovereignty but an admission of frailty. Job understands his life is bound by time, like a worker’s contract. He only asks to be allowed to complete his term in relative peace, reflecting a humble posture that acknowledges both God’s authority and life’s transitory nature. Job’s words thus resonate across centuries, informing believers how to navigate despair while still recognizing their ultimate dependence on the One who holds time and life in His hands.
Job 14:6 meaning
Job is a central figure of wisdom literature, believed to have lived around 2000 BC in the land of Uz, an area east of Canaan. In the midst of his suffering and deep lament, he pleads with God to lessen divine scrutiny. He says, “So turn Your gaze from him that he may rest, Until he fulfills his day like a hired man.” (v.6) The “him” in this verse refers to humanity in general and to Job himself in particular, reflecting his intense desire for relief from his agonies, if only temporarily. Job’s imagery of a hired man underscores the sense of limited days and strenuous labor that must be endured before final release, conveying how finite and fragile human life truly is.
By asking God to “turn Your gaze,” Job implies that the constant attention of the Almighty can bring both blessing and judgment. In this case, Job longs for respite, likening his suffering to the toil of a laborer. This sentiment connects to the broader biblical theme of humanity’s dependence on God (Psalms 39:4-5). Jesus later extends hope by offering rest to those who labor under the weight of sin and struggle (Matthew 11:28). Job’s plea can be seen as a desperate cry for the same sort of mercy and rest that Jesus promises, highlighting humankind’s universal need for divine compassion.
In the broader narrative of Job’s story, this request for God to “turn away” is not a rejection of God’s sovereignty but an admission of frailty. Job understands his life is bound by time, like a worker’s contract. He only asks to be allowed to complete his term in relative peace, reflecting a humble posture that acknowledges both God’s authority and life’s transitory nature. Job’s words thus resonate across centuries, informing believers how to navigate despair while still recognizing their ultimate dependence on the One who holds time and life in His hands.