איוב, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ז׳

Job experiences a profound sense of exhaustion, loss, and isolation as he confronts the sources of his misery. He describes a state of complete fatigue, where he is entirely drained of his strength [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. The primary approach among commentators is that this total weariness stems from his intense physical and mental agony. His suffering has broken him down to the point where he can no longer stay silent and is forced to cry out [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, his exhaustion is not just physical but social. It is the result of endless, draining arguments with his companions, whose harsh words and relentless accusations have worn him out [רמב״ן, תקות אנוש, אלשיך].

Beyond his personal fatigue, Job cries out about the fate of those who once surrounded him. He turns directly to God, lamenting a scene of utter ruin and desolation [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. According to this understanding, Job mourns his ten children and household members who once formed a vibrant community around him. They have been entirely wiped out, leaving God with nothing left to take from him [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Conversely, others understand his cry not as a reference to physical destruction, but to stunned silence and shock [רש״י, רמב״ן]. The severe blows God brought upon Job have left the crowds gathered around him standing in utter amazement [רמב״ן]. Similarly, this gathered group may represent the mourners who encircle him, rendered completely silent by the sheer magnitude of his pain [אבן עזרא].

A final approach views this surrounding group metaphorically, pointing the blame directly at his companions. Job accuses his friends of destroying his remaining strength and dismantling his arguments with their words [תקות אנוש]. Their harsh and exaggerated claims against him have left anyone listening completely horrified and shocked [אלשיך].