Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 6:11

11. What is my strength that I should hope ? and what is mine end , that I should prolong my life .

My strength is so small and spent that although I may linger a while in my torments, yet I cannot live long, and therefore it is vain and absurd for me to hope for such a restitution of my strength and prosperity as thou hast promised to me., Ch. 5. 22. &c. And therefore I justly pray that God would take away my life.

Either 1. What is the end or period of my miseries? When may I expect it? I see no end of them; I know not how long I may pine and linger in them. Therefore, Lord take me speedily away. Or, 2. What is the end of my life? Or What is death to me? It is not terrible▪ but comfortable, as he said v. 10. I need not those vain consolations which thou givest me of being kept from death, v. 20. or having life continued and health restored. Death is not the matter of my fear, but of my desire.

To wit, by my seeking to God for it, as thou advisest me, Ch 5. 8. Why should I desire or indeavour the prolonging of my life. Or, that I should length[illegible: 1+ letters] out my desire, to wit, of life and those comforts of life which thou hast propounded to me. I desire not to live longer, though in the greatest splendour and prosperity, but to be dissolved, and to be with my God and Redeemer Ch. 19. 25. The Hebrew word nephesh, here rendred soul or life, oft signifies desire, as Gen. 23. 8. Deut. 23. 24. Prov. 23. 2. Eccles. 6. 9.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word] ▪