איוב, פרק י״ד, פסוק ה׳

Human existence in this world is bound by absolute, predetermined limits set by God. Recognizing the fleeting and fragile nature of humanity, a profound philosophical plea rises toward heaven, questioning the meaning of life in the shadow of an unchangeable divine decree.

Since human days are undeniably measured and defined in advance, the primary approach among commentators is that God has already determined the exact length of every person's life. The total count of a person's months is kept securely with God, ensuring that life has a definitive end; otherwise, its duration would be infinite and unknown [תקות אנוש]. God has established clear, strict boundaries for human life, creating a limit that no person can cross to live even a single moment longer than ordained [אבן עזרא, רמב״ן, מצודת דוד].

This reality of a brief, strictly bounded existence leads to various conclusions. Some argue that the very fact that life is short and humanity is destined to die serves as a sufficient punishment in itself. Consequently, God should simply allow people to live out their brief time in peace, without adding further hardship to their days [רש״י, רלב״ג]. Taking the concept of the divine decree even further, another perspective suggests that God dictates not only the length of a person's life but also all of their actions and deeds. According to this view, humans do not possess true freedom of choice. Because people are not free in their decisions, it seems unjust for God to bring them to judgment and demand accountability for their behavior [מלבי״ם].

A completely different approach examines these boundaries through the lens of spiritual reward, punishment, and reincarnation. From this angle, a shortened life refers specifically to one that ends prematurely due to a severe divine punishment, a decree from which a person cannot escape. However, the remaining months that the person was originally supposed to live, had they not sinned, are never truly lost. Instead, they remain stored with God. These saved months are destined to be given back to the soul in its next reincarnation, providing vital support and a second chance to repair the spiritual damage caused in the previous life [אלשיך].