Job 13:20

20 "Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you:

Job 13:20 Meaning and Commentary

Job 13:20

Only do not two [things] unto me
This is an address not to Zophar as in the place of God, as to me, but to God himself; by this it appears, that though in modesty he does not mention him, yet he it is he has the chief, if not the sole regard unto in ( Job 13:19 ) ; for his desire was to speak to the Almighty, and reason with God, and have nothing more to do with his friends, ( Job 13:3-5 ) ; but before any pleadings begin on either side, he is desirous of settling and fixing the terms and conditions of the dispute; he requests that two things might be granted him, which are mentioned in ( Job 13:21 ) :

then will I not hide myself from thee;
through fear or shame, but boldly appear before God, and come up even to his seat, and plead with him face to face.

Job 13:20 In-Context

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?
20 "Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you:
21 First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me.
22 Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me.
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.