Job 13:20

20 Only two things, O God, do with me: Then from Thy face I am not hidden.

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 Lo, I pray you, I have set in order the cause, I have known that I am righteous.
19 Who [is] he that doth strive with me? For now I keep silent and gasp.
20 Only two things, O God, do with me: Then from Thy face I am not hidden.
21 Thy hand put far off from me, And Thy terror let not terrify me.
22 And call Thou, and I -- I answer, Or -- I speak, and answer Thou me.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.