For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will
sprout again
That is, if it be cut down to the root, and only the stump of the root is left in the ground, as the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, ( Daniel 4:15 ) , yet the owner of it may entertain a hope that it is not utterly destroyed, but will bud out again; or "change" F19 its state and condition, and become flourishing again: or "renew" F20 itself; and its strength, and put out new shoots and branches; either it will rise up into a new body, as the laurel, as Pliny F21 relates, or produce new sprouts as the willow, alder tree, and others; for this is not true of every tree, though it may be of many; for it is F23 reported of the cypress tree, when cut down, it never sprouts out any more, unless in one place, in Aenaria; but since this is the case of some, it is sufficient to Job's purpose:
and that the tender branch thereof will not cease;
from shooting out; or "its suckers will not cease" F24; which may be observed frequently to grow out of the roots of trees, even of those that are cut down, such as above mentioned.