For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. There. Even those who have had the vanity to claim divine honours, never could persuade themselves that they would escape death. But the just forms a different conclusion from the wicked. He looks upon his life only as a preparation for the other, (Hebrews 11:13. Ephesians 2:19) while libertines make haste to enjoy the fleeting pleasure. Isaiah 22:13. To the former death seems desirable, (Calmet. 4:2 and 6:3) to the latter it is a subject of consternation; and he prefers the vilest creature living, to the most noble when dead. Calmet.—Hebrew “for whosoever is chosen (yebuchar. Marg. yechubar, “is united”) to all the living, has hope; for a,” and so forth Bible.—Moderns generally follow the marginal reading of the Masorets. Calmet.—“For who shall live for ever?” Sym. “Who partakes with all the living? There is hope.” Septuagint Bible.—During life alone the sinner may amend. Calmet. 2:3. The Gentiles are preferred before the Jews. Worthington.