Job 13
Job 13 is part of “First Cycle of Dialogue” (4–14) in the outline of Job.
Job 13 summary
Job here comes to make application of what he had said in the foregoing chapter; and now we have him not in so good a temper as he was in then: for, I. He is very bold with his friends, comparing himself with them, notwithstanding the mortifications he was under (Job 13:1, Job 13:2). Condemning them for their falsehood, their forwardness to judge, their partiality and deceitfulness under colour of pleading God's cause (Job 13:4-8), and threatening them with the judgments of God for their so doing (Job 13:9-12), desiring them to be silent (Job 13:5, Job 13:13, Job 13:17), and turning from them to God (Job 13:3). II.
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Job here comes to make application of what he had said in the foregoing chapter; and now we have him not in so good a temper as he was in then: for, I. He is very bold with his friends, comparing himself with them, notwithstanding the mortifications he was under (Job 13:1, Job 13:2). Condemning them for their falsehood, their forwardness to judge, their partiality and deceitfulness under colour of pleading God's cause (Job 13:4-8), and threatening them with the judgments of God for their so doing (Job 13:9-12), desiring them to be silent (Job 13:5, Job 13:13, Job 13:17), and turning from them to God (Job 13:3). II. He is very bold with his God. 1. In some expressions his faith is very bold, yet that is not more bold than welcome (Job 13:15, Job 13:16, Job 13:18) But, 2. In other expressions his passion is rather too bold in expostulations with God concerning the deplorable condition he was in (Job 13:14, Job 13:19, etc.), complaining of the confusion he was in (Job 13:20-22), and the loss he was at to find out the sin that provoked God thus to afflict him, and in short of the rigour of God's proceedings against him (Job 13:23-28).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Job 13
Job 13 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Job Continues: Let Me Speak to the Almighty
1Lo, mine eye hath seen all [this], Mine ear hath heard and understood it. 2What ye know, [the same] do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. 3Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God. 4But ye are forgers of lies; Ye are all physicians of no value. 5Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom. 6Hear now my reasoning, And hearken to the pleadings of my lips. 7Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him? 8Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God? 9Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him? 10He will surely reprove you, If ye do secretly show partiality. 11Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall upon you? 12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay.
I Will Argue My Case Before God
13Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will. 14Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? 15Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. 16This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. 17Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears. 18Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous. 19Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost. 20Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face: 21Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid. 22Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me. 23How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin. 24Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And holdest me for thine enemy? 25Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? 26For thou writest bitter things against me, And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet: 28Though I am like a rotten thing that consumeth, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.