The theme of "Death Preferred Over Life" appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting moments of deep despair, suffering, and the human struggle with the trials of life. This theme is often expressed by individuals who find themselves in extreme distress, questioning the value of their existence amidst overwhelming circumstances.

Jeremiah 8:3
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of a time when the people of Judah will face such severe calamity and judgment that "death will be chosen over life by all the survivors of this evil family who remain in all the places to which I have banished them," declares the LORD of Hosts. This passage highlights the profound despair and hopelessness that can accompany divine judgment and exile, where the suffering is so intense that death seems preferable to life.

Job 3:20-22
The Book of Job provides a poignant exploration of this theme through the character of Job, a man who experiences immense personal loss and physical suffering. In his lament, Job questions, "Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, who long for death that does not come, and search for it more than for hidden treasure, who rejoice and greatly exult when they can find the grave?" . Job's words express the depth of his anguish and the desire for relief from his pain, even if it means death.

Jonah 4:3
The prophet Jonah, after witnessing the repentance of Nineveh and God's subsequent mercy, becomes so disheartened that he prays, "And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." . Jonah's reaction reveals his struggle with God's compassion towards the Ninevites and his own inability to reconcile his expectations with God's actions.

Philippians 1:21-23
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reflects on the tension between life and death from a different perspective. He writes, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed." . Here, Paul expresses a preference for death not out of despair, but from a desire to be with Christ, which he considers far superior to earthly life.

Revelation 9:6
In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, during the period of the fifth trumpet judgment, it is said, "In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them." . This passage underscores the severity of the tribulations that will befall humanity, where the suffering is so great that people will desire death as an escape, yet it will elude them.

The theme of preferring death over life in the Bible often arises in contexts of intense suffering, judgment, or spiritual conflict. It serves as a stark reminder of the human condition and the profound struggles that can lead individuals to such a state of mind. These passages also invite reflection on the hope and redemption offered through faith, even amidst the darkest moments.