Job 14:7

The Inevitability of Death

14:7 “But there is hope for ¹  a tree: ² 

If it is cut down, it will sprout again,

and its new shoots will not fail.

Psalms 31:13

31:13 For I hear what so many are saying, ³ 

the terrifying news that comes from every direction. ⁴ 

When they plot together against me,

they figure out how they can take my life.

Daniel 4:14

4:14 He called out loudly ⁵  as follows: ⁶ 

‘Chop down the tree and lop off its branches!

Strip off its foliage

and scatter its fruit!

Let the animals flee from under it

and the birds from its branches!

[14:7]  ¹ tn The genitive after the construct is one of advantage – it is hope for the tree.

[14:7]  ² sn The figure now changes to a tree for the discussion of the finality of death. At least the tree will sprout again when it is cut down. Why, Job wonders, should what has been granted to the tree not also be granted to humans?

[31:13]  ³ tn Heb “the report of many.”

[31:13]  ⁴ tn Heb “the terror from all around.”

[4:14]  ⁵ tn Aram “in strength.”

[4:14]  ⁶ tn Aram “and thus he was saying.”