The Question

Job 14:14

If a man dies, will he live again?

Job’s question concerning life after death wasn’t an intellectual or philosophical exercise. This is a man whose life hung by a thin thread, dangled over the dark abyss of Sheol, his body covered in sores, pain wracking every fiber of his being, this was a preeminently relevant question for Job.

Considering the historical context, the time in which Job lived, and the common consensus of his day, Job’s question seemed to answer itself with a resounding “no!” Given that the revelation of resurrection was still over the horizon, it seems Job’s question was more of a prophetic insight than a philosophical interest.

That this is where Job is going, is proven out when he takes it a step further. He goes from asking the question to making a bold declaration:

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last, he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh, I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. (Job 19:25-27)

Jesus called Himself the “resurrection and the life.” Job saw a glimmer of light over a distant horizon while living through a dark night. We have the advantage of living after the Son rose and we live and walk in His light.

If a man dies, will he live again?

Absolutely, if your faith is in Jesus Christ.