“Death” here is the Hebrew term sheol — equivalent to hades in Greek — and usually translated “hell” in the King James Version. While there’s significant theological debate about the precise meaning of the word, it’s generally understood as a place under the earth where the dead reside — the “underworld.”
Actually coming from the root verb “to ask,” this term, “death” — the underworld where the dead go (body or soul) — is “never satisfied” or “full.” It always has room and seemingly keeps “asking” for more.
The complementary force of nature, “destruction,” also refers to death or ruin — of people, places or things. It’s never full or satisfied, either.
A rather grim picture, they’re compared to “human eyes” which are equally “never satisfied.” While “death and destruction” will continue unabated until this world system is over, our own human desire and need-for-more tends to never be satisfied, either.
This wise saying offers a pretty accurate understanding of human nature in Old Testament times — and today. But, honestly, it doesn’t have to be this way!
One of our weekly Character Qualities here at Helping Up Mission is Contentment: realizing God has already provided everything necessary for my present well-being.
I’m either “never satisfied” or have “everything necessary for my present well-being.” It’s all about perspective — God’s or mine!
I’ve tried both. His is working pretty well for me!