Free among the dead There can hardly be any allusion to Job 3:19, where the word is used of a welcome release from servitude, for it is a far-fetched interpretation to suppose that a new turn is given to the phrase and that it here means -dismissed against his will from the service of God." Render as R.V., cast off, or R.V. marg., cast away. A cognate word is used for -the house of separation" in which Uzziah lived as a leper (2 Chronicles 26:21).

Another but doubtful translation is, My couch is among the dead: cp. Job 17:13.

the slain&c. The slain in battle, whose corpses are flung into a nameless common grave. Cp. Ezekiel 32:24 ff.

whom thou rememberest no more Sheol is the -land of oblivion," where men neither remember God (Psalms 6:5; Psalms 30:9) nor are remembered by Him. They are cut off from thy hand, severed from Thy gracious help and protection. Cp. Psalms 31:22; Lamentations 3:54; 2 Chronicles 26:21. On this gloomy view of the future state see Introd. pp. xciii ff.

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