Charles Ellicott Commentary Job 16:22

"For when a few years are come, I shall go the way whence I shall not return." — Job 16:22 (ASV)

When a few years are come. —Literally, years of number, which means either “years that can be easily numbered,” as men of number (Genesis 34:20) is used to express few men; or “years that are numbered,” that is, allotted, determined.

It is strange to find Job, in his condition, speaking of years. For that matter, it is also strange to find a man so severely tormented as he was indulging in such a long argument.

Perhaps this shows us that the narrative of Job is intended to be an ideal only, setting forth the low condition of sin-stricken humanity. This is only offered as a suggestion, and no more weight is assigned to it than it may warrant.

Perhaps, however, these words are spoken by Job in contemplation of his condition as a dying man, even if he had not been so afflicted.