4 When I lie down I think, 'How long before I get up?' The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.
4 When I lie down I say, 'When shall I arise?' But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn.
4 I go to bed and think, 'How long till I can get up?' I toss and turn as the night drags on - and I'm fed up!
4 When I lie down, I say, 'When shall I arise, And the night be ended?' For I have had my fill of tossing till dawn.
4 Lying in bed, I think, 'When will it be morning?' But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 7:4
Commentary on Job 7:1-6
(Read Job 7:1-6)
Job here excuses what he could not justify, his desire of death. Observe man's present place: he is upon earth. He is yet on earth, not in hell. Is there not a time appointed for his abode here? yes, certainly, and the appointment is made by Him who made us and sent us here. During that, man's life is a warfare, and as day-labourers, who have the work of the day to do in its day, and must make up their account at night. Job had as much reason, he thought, to wish for death, as a poor servant that is tired with his work, has to wish for the shadows of the evening, when he shall go to rest. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet; nor can any rich man take so much satisfaction in his wealth, as the hireling in his day's wages. The comparison is plain; hear his complaint: His days were useless, and had long been so; but when we are not able to work for God, if we sit still quietly for him, we shall be accepted. His nights were restless. Whatever is grievous, it is good to see it appointed for us, and as designed for some holy end. When we have comfortable nights, we must see them also appointed to us, and be thankful for them. His body was noisome. See what vile bodies we have. His life was hastening apace. While we are living, every day, like the shuttle, leaves a thread behind: many weave the spider's web, which will fail, 14. But if, while we live, we live unto the Lord, in works of faith and labours of love, we shall have the benefit, for every man shall reap as he sowed, and wear as he wove.