NOTES for Job 7:1-21

Despair brings Job to the limit, and he begins directly accusing the Creator of his troubles. Job does not want to live, but unwillingness to accept the gift of life is inseparably connected with rebellion against the Giver of that gift, whether the rebellion happens openly or secretly, consciously or unconsciously. Even the question addressed to God, what is man, that You value him so highly, recalling the solemn words of the psalm, "what is man, that You are mindful of him"(Ps 8:5), which mark the dignity of the human person as the summit of creation, is on Job's lips merely a request that God turn away from man. But in such a request one can also see a desire to turn away from God.

In Job's words one can also discern a request for forgiveness. True, it is expressed somewhat proudly, as if to say: if I am sinful, then forgive me; what can I do to You, being so much weaker? Job is possessed by intransigence, but the issue is not even that; rather, it is the widespread philosophy which Job, one may think, shares: "I am on my own with my sins, and God is on His own." But every sin is not only contrary to His will; it is also resistance to Him.