Job 13:13-19

13 “Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.
14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?
15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely[a] defend my ways to his face.
16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him!
17 Listen carefully to what I say; let my words ring in your ears.
18 Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.
19 Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.

Job 13:13-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 13

Job begins this chapter by observing the extensiveness of his knowledge, as appeared from his preceding discourse, by which it was evident he was not less knowing than his friends, Job 13:1,2; and therefore would have nothing to do with them as judges in his cause, but would appeal to God, and debate the matter before him, and leave it to his decision, since he could expect no good from them, Job 13:3,4; and all the favour he entreats of them is, that they would for the future be no longer speakers, but hearers, Job 13:5,6,13,17; he expostulates with them about their wicked and deceitful way of pleading for God, and against him, Job 13:7,8; and in order to strike an awe upon them, suggests to them, that they were liable to the divine scrutiny; that God was not to be mocked by them, that he would surely reprove them for their respect of persons, and desires them to consider his dreadful majesty, and what frail creatures they were, Job 13:9-12; then he expresses his confidence in God, that he should be saved by him, notwithstanding the afflictive circumstances he was in, Job 13:14-16; and doubted not he should be able so to plead his cause, as that he should be justified, if God would but withdraw his hand, and take off his dread from him, Job 13:18-22; he desires to know what his sins were, that he should hide his face from him, and treat him with so much severity, who was but a poor, weak, feeble creature, Job 13:24,25; and concludes with a complaint of the bitterness and sharpness of his afflictions, with which he was consumed, Job 13:26-28.

Cross References 16

  • 1. S ver 5
  • 2. S Job 7:11
  • 3. S Job 9:21
  • 4. S Judges 9:17
  • 5. S Job 7:6
  • 6. Psalms 23:4; Psalms 27:1; Proverbs 14:32; Isaiah 12:2; Daniel 3:28
  • 7. S Job 5:8; Job 27:5
  • 8. Psalms 30:5; Isaiah 12:1; Isaiah 54:7-8; Hosea 14:4; Philippians 1:19
  • 9. S Job 8:13
  • 10. S Genesis 3:8
  • 11. Job 21:2
  • 12. S ver 3; Job 23:4; Job 37:19
  • 13. S Job 2:3; S Job 9:21
  • 14. Job 40:4; Isaiah 50:8; Romans 8:33
  • 15. S Job 9:15
  • 16. S Job 3:13; Job 10:8

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "He will surely slay me; I have no hope —" / "yet I will"
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