Job 13
In Job 13, Job continues his defense against his friends' accusations. He rebukes them for their faulty reasoning and insists on his innocence, expressing a desire to argue his case directly before God. Job’s trust in God remains firm, even though he is frustrated with his suffering. He asks God to reveal his sins, if any, and pleads for clarity on why he is enduring such pain.
Job 13:1-5 (NKJV)
1 “Behold, my eye has seen all this,
My ear has heard and understood it.
2 What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.
3 But I would speak to the Almighty,
And I desire to reason with God.
4 But you forgers of lies,
You are all worthless physicians.
5 Oh, that you would be silent,
And it would be your wisdom!"
Job begins by affirming his awareness of the wisdom his friends have shared, stating that he is not lacking in understanding. However, Job longs to take his case directly to God, seeking truth from the Almighty rather than relying on his friends’ accusations. He rebukes his friends, accusing them of being deceitful and ineffective, like physicians who offer no real help. He advises them that silence would be their wisest course of action.
Job 13:6-10 (NKJV)
6 “Now hear my reasoning,
And heed the pleadings of my lips.
7 Will you speak wickedly for God,
And talk deceitfully for Him?
8 Will you show partiality for Him?
Will you contend for God?
9 Will it be well when He searches you out?
Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?
10 He will surely rebuke you
If you secretly show partiality."
Job challenges his friends, accusing them of misrepresenting God by defending Him dishonestly. He questions whether they think they can deceive God as they might deceive humans. Job warns that God will hold them accountable for their partiality and false judgments, reminding them that their words must be honest, especially when speaking on behalf of God.
Job 13:11-15 (NKJV)
11 “Will not His excellence make you afraid,
And the dread of Him fall upon you?
12 Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes,
Your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 “Hold your peace with me, and let me speak,
Then let come on me what may!
14 Why do I take my flesh in my teeth,
And put my life in my hands?
15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him."
Job reminds his friends of God’s majesty, which should humble them rather than embolden them to speak falsely. Their advice, Job says, is worthless, like ashes and clay. Job is willing to risk everything, even his life, to speak his case before God. Despite his suffering, Job declares his unwavering trust in God, even if God chooses to take his life. Yet, he insists on defending his integrity before the Almighty.
Job 13:16-19 (NKJV)
16 "He also shall be my salvation,
For a hypocrite could not come before Him.
17 Listen carefully to my speech,
And to my declaration with your ears.
18 See now, I have prepared my case,
I know that I shall be vindicated.
19 Who is he who will contend with me?
If now I hold my tongue, I perish."
Job expresses confidence that God will ultimately be his salvation because he is not a hypocrite and has lived righteously. He implores his friends to listen closely to his words, as he has thought through his defense and believes that God will vindicate him. Job knows that if he remains silent and does not plead his case, he will suffer unjustly.
Job 13:20-24 (NKJV)
20 “Only two things do not do to me,
Then I will not hide myself from You:
21 Withdraw Your hand far from me,
And let not the dread of You make me afraid.
22 Then call, and I will answer;
Or let me speak, then You respond to me.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins?
Make me know my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face,
And regard me as Your enemy?"
Job pleads with God for two things: to remove His heavy hand of suffering and not to overwhelm him with fear. Job is willing to engage in a dialogue with God, either answering Him or hearing His response. He questions what sins he has committed, asking God to reveal any transgressions that warrant his suffering. Job feels abandoned by God and confused as to why he is being treated like an enemy.
Job 13:25-28 (NKJV)
25 Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro?
And will You pursue dry stubble?
26 For You write bitter things against me,
And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks,
And watch closely all my paths.
You set a limit for the soles of my feet.
28 Man decays like a rotten thing,
Like a garment that is moth-eaten."
Job likens himself to a fragile leaf or dry stubble, asking God why He pursues him so harshly when he is so weak. Job believes God is writing accusations against him and punishing him for sins from his youth, which he may have long forgotten. He feels trapped, as though God has placed him in restraints and monitors his every move. In his suffering, Job reflects on the frailty of human life, describing himself as decaying and worn out like a moth-eaten garment.