Job 13:21

21 Stop oppressing me. Don't let your terror frighten me.

Job 13:21 Meaning and Commentary

Job 13:21

Withdraw thine hand far from me
His afflicting hand, which pressed him; this he desires might be removed, or otherwise he could not have the command of himself, make use of his reasoning faculties, recollect his arguments, and give them in their due force and strength; for afflictions of body affect the soul and memory, understanding and judgment; this is one of the things he would have agreed unto before the dispute was entered on; the other follows:

and let not thy dread make me afraid;
the terrors of his law, or the dreadful apprehensions of his wrath; he desires to be freed from all slavish fear of God, that now possessed his mind through the severity of his dispensations towards him, behaving as if he was his enemy; or he deprecates his appearance in any external visible way and manner, which might be frightening to him, and so hinder freedom of speech in his own defence; these two things are before requested, ( Job 9:34 Job 9:35 ) ; which should they be granted, he proposes as follows.

Job 13:21 In-Context

19 Who can make a case against me? If someone could, I'd be silent and die.

20 "Please don't do two things to me so that I won't have to hide from you:

21 Stop oppressing me. Don't let your terror frighten me.

22 Then call, and I'll answer. Otherwise, I'll speak, and you'll answer me.

23 How many crimes and sins have I committed? Make me aware of my disobedience and my sin.