Job 13:20

20 Do thou not to me two things only; and then I shall not be hid from thy face. (Do thou only two things for me; and then I shall not hide from thy face.)

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 If I shall be deemed, I know that I shall be found just. (If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be justified, or found acquitted.)

19 Who is he that is deemed with me? Come he; why am I still, and am wasted? (Who is he who is judged with me? Come he; for if I hold my peace, I shall be destroyed.)

20 Do thou not to me two things only; and then I shall not be hid from thy face. (Do thou only two things for me; and then I shall not hide from thy face.)

21 Make thine hand far from me; and thy dread make not me afeared. (Take thy hand far away from me; and do not let my fear of thee make me afraid.)

22 Call thou me, and I shall answer thee; either certainly I shall speak, and (then) thou shalt answer me.