איוב, פרק ד׳, פסוק ה׳

A sudden encounter with hardship often acts as a mirror, revealing a person's true inner strength. When tragedy arrives at the doorstep, the immediate reaction exposes whether one can withstand the test of endurance. The primary approach among commentators highlights a deep sense of surprise and sharp criticism directed at a rapid loss of composure. As soon as trouble appears, there is an immediate loss of strength, and the sufferer becomes too tired to hold themselves together. The moment the hardship makes contact, panic sets in, peace of mind vanishes, and empty words follow.

There are different ways to understand the repetitive nature of this criticism. Some view it as a poetic literary device, where expressing the same idea in different ways serves to strengthen the underlying message and highlight the beauty of the language [תקות אנוש]. Conversely, others see an exact progression that magnifies the criticism. In this view, the hardship has only just begun, and very little time has passed. Furthermore, the trouble has not even struck with its full force; it has merely brushed close by without landing a direct, personal hit. The astonishment lies in the fact that even though the trial is brief and relatively mild, it still causes immediate panic and a complete loss of self-control [מלבי״ם].

The weariness and panic experienced during such times can be understood from different angles. The exhaustion may stem from the immense mental effort required to find a logical and satisfying explanation for the sudden disaster [תקות אנוש]. Alternatively, the reaction can be seen as a response to physical suffering. After being worn down by previous troubles, the moment a physical affliction actually touches the body, it triggers a deep, overwhelming panic driven by the fear of imminent death [אלשיך].