3:6 the dead of long ago. The distresses and diseases of life diminish its fullness, culminating in death. In his weakened condition, the prophet considers himself to have little more participation in life than if he were actually dead. From the perspective of the living, the dead exist not at all, or as shadows (Prov. 2:18; 9:18 and notes). For other pictures of death in the Old Testament, see Job 3:11–19; Ps. 6:5; 115:17; Is. 14:18, 19. Against this background the Old Testament is eloquent in its testimony to resurrection beyond the grave (Job 19:25–27; Ps. 16:9–11; 49:15; 73:24).