These two verses offer two related wise sayings. The first is a message from the two daughters of the leech – Gimme! Gimme!
We all know what a leech is – literally and figuratively – and you may have as hard a time dealing with them as I do. Whether the little blood-sucking critters or people I’ve known along the way – both always want more.
The second wise saying is the first of five extended poetic statements about the natural world in this chapter. Each offers four examples of people, places or things relating to a particular theme. Ours discusses four things which never seem to be satisfied.
First is “the grave.” Sometimes translated “hell,” it’s where the dead reside. That place never seems to fill up – because people keep dying!
Second is “the barren womb.” Throughout history and across the world, women have desired to be mothers. This verse suggests it doesn’t matter what else she has, it isn’t enough – she wants a child.
Third is “land, which is never satisfied with water.” Especially in the Holy Land, during the rainy season, water keeps soaking in – but the land dries quickly and is always ready to handle the next rain, too.
Finally, “fire” just keeps on burning. It never seems to have too much to material to work with!
These four illustrations from nature were not suggested to be either good or bad – just that they’re never satisfied. But they were offered for us to consider and learn from.
A related final thought. Our HUM definition for “Contentment” — realizing God has already provided everything necessary for my present well-being. Now that’s satisfaction!