For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?
The argument of the friends, in proof of Job 21:20. What pleasure can he have from his house (children) when he is dead? (Ecclesiastes 3:22, "after him.")
When the number, etc. - (Job 14:21). Or, rather, What hath he to do with his children, etc.? (so the Hebrew х cheepets (H2656)] in Ecclesiastes 3:1; Ecclesiastes 8:6.) It is therefore necessary 'his eyes should see his and their destruction.'
Cut off - rather, when the number of his allotted months is fulfilled (Job 14:5): [from cheets, an arrow, which was used to draw lots with. Hence, arrow is the figure for inevitable destiny] (Umbreit). I prefer the English version, and explain the whole verse thus: You, when you cannot deny that the ungodly are often prosperous to their end, assert that if they are not themselves punished, their children are: but you cannot so prove God to be just; because justice requires that they should be punished themselves; for when they are dead 'what have they to do with their children after them, when the number of their months is cut off?' They cannot feel their children's lot whether it be happy or miserable.