Job 13:17

17 You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears.

Job 13:17 Meaning and Commentary

Job 13:17

Hear diligently my speech
Or, "in hearing hear" F19; meaning, not only that his friends would attentively hear him, but continue to hear him; that they would hear him out what he had to say further: upon his expressing himself with so much faith and confidence in God, they might rise up from their seats and be preparing to be gone, as not having patience to hear a man talk so confidently, who they thought was a bad man and an hypocrite; or they might attempt to interrupt him while speaking, and therefore he desires they would be still, and patiently and diligently hear what he had more to say:

and my declaration with your ears;
that is, that they would listen to it attentively, when he doubted not but he should make his case as clear as the sun, and set it in such a point of view, as that it would appear most plainly to be right, and he to be a just man.


FOOTNOTES:

F19 (ewmv wemv) "audite audiendo", Pagninus, Montanus, Beza

Job 13:17 In-Context

15 Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end.
16 Just wait, this is going to work out for the best - my salvation! If I were guilt-stricken do you think I'd be doing this - laying myself on the line before God?
17 You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears.
18 Now that I've laid out my defense, I'm sure that I'll be acquitted.
19 Can anyone prove charges against me? I've said my piece. I rest my case. Why Does God Stay Hidden and Silent?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.