Albert Barnes Commentary Job 3:22

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 3:22

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 3:22

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Who rejoice exceedingly, And are glad, when they can find the grave?" — Job 3:22 (ASV)

Which rejoice exceedingly - Hebrew “Who rejoice upon joy or exultation” (אל־גיל 'el - gı̂yl), that is, with exceedingly great joy.

When they can find the grave - What an expression! How strikingly does it express the intense desire to die, and the depth of a person’s sorrow, when it becomes a matter of exultation for one to be permitted to lie down in the corruption and decay of the tomb! A somewhat similar sentiment occurs in Euripides, as quoted by Cicero, Tusculan Disputations, Book 1, Chapter 48:

Nam nos decebat, domum
Lugere, ubi esset aliquis in lucem editus,
Humanae vitae varia reputantes mala;
At qui labores morte finisset graves
Hunc omni amicos laude et Laetitia exsequi.