19 Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?
19 How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
19 How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone till I swallow my spit?
19 Let up on me, will you? Can't you even let me spit in peace?
19 How long? Will You not look away from me, And let me alone till I swallow my saliva?
19 Why won't you leave me alone, at least long enough for me to swallow!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 7:19
Commentary on Job 7:17-21
(Read Job 7:17-21)
Job reasons with God concerning his dealings with man. But in the midst of this discourse, Job seems to have lifted up his thoughts to God with some faith and hope. Observe the concern he is in about his sins. The best men have to complain of sin; and the better they are, the more they will complain of it. God is the Preserver of our lives, and the Saviour of the souls of all that believe; but probably Job meant the Observer of men, whose eyes are upon the ways and hearts of all men. We can hide nothing from Him; let us plead guilty before his throne of grace, that we may not be condemned at his judgment-seat. Job maintained, against his friends, that he was not a hypocrite, not a wicked man, yet he owns to his God, that he had sinned. The best must so acknowledge, before the Lord. He seriously inquires how he might be at peace with God, and earnestly begs forgiveness of his sins. He means more than the removing of his outward trouble, and is earnest for the return of God's favour. Wherever the Lord removes the guilt of sin, he breaks the power of sin. To strengthen his prayer for pardon, Job pleads the prospect he had of dying quickly. If my sins be not pardoned while I live, I am lost and undone for ever. How wretched is sinful man without a knowledge of the Saviour!