“Isn’t a man forced to labor on earth? Aren’t his days like the days of a hired hand?
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Warfare. Hebrew “is it not determined” ( Bible.) for some short space, as the Levites had to serve from 30 to 50 years of age; (Numbers 4:3 and 8:25) and the days of a hireling are also defined and short. Isaiah 16:14. Amama.—No soldier or hireling was ever treated so severely as Job. Yet they justly look for the term of their labours. Septuagint have πειρατηριον. Old Vulg. tentatio. “Is not the life of man a temptation?” Calmet.—Palæstra, school, or time given to learn the exercise of a soldier and wrestler; or of one who has to prepare himself for a spiritual warfare, and for heaven. Bible.—Are we not surrounded with dangers? and may we not desire to be set at liberty? The Vulg. is very accurate, ( Calmet.) and includes all these senses. Bible.—A soldier must be obedient even unto death, and never resist his superior. Worthington.—Hireling, who has no rest till the day is spent. Calmet.