“When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;”
Job describes lying down with the hope that the night will bring relief, but instead dreams terrify and visions overwhelm him, articulating the failure of sleep to provide escape from suffering. The hope that night will bring respite proves false; instead, the night becomes a realm of horror. The intrusion of nightmares into the body's attempt at restoration reveals that there is no sanctuary from suffering.
Church Fathers on Job 7:13
When I say my bed shall comfort me, I shall be eased in speaking with myself on my couch, then Thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions. For in Holy Writ a ‘bed,’ a ‘couch,’ or ‘litter,’ is usually taken for the secret depth of the heart. For it is hence that under the likeness of each separate soul, the Spouse, urged by the piercing darts of holy love, says in the Song of Songs, By night on my bed I sought him, whom my soul loveth. For ‘by night and on…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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