Job 13

Thank you for engaging in the book of Job. It is a fascinating study. Job’s story teaches us how to maintain our faith even in the face of suffering. In the New Testament, James offers this summary of Job:

James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

In our time, we’ve learned about Job’s patience, resolution, and perseverance, as well as God’s sovereignty. The story of Job presents complexity and raises questions as we contemplate God’s character, Satan’s attacks, and Job’s responses. When I read the book of Job, my questions quickly become, “How would I have responded if I were Job?” and “How do I act now when facing a period of difficulty?”

When Job’s friends finally stopped talking, he presented his defense. He began by expressing his annoyance, referring to them as “miserable comforters” (16:2). Job’s sarcasm is evident when he states:

Job 21:2-3
Keep listening to my words, and let this be your comfort. ³ Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.

After sharing his frustration with their advice, Job transitions from questioning God to declaring God’s greatness. We’ve discussed the tension that believers face—God’s sovereignty on one hand and our uncertainty of his actions on the other. There were moments of despair (which we considered last time), and now Job is at a point where he desires, or rather demands, a court hearing with God. Note that Job addresses God quite sternly.

Job 7:20-21
If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you? ²¹ Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I shall lie in the earth; you will seek me, but I shall not be.

Job refers to God as a “watcher of mankind.” This is not a positive description. He is weary of God’s constant gaze upon him. Furthermore, God observes Job’s suffering but appears to take no action. Job asks, “Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you?” (7:20). Then Job formulates his complaint against God with a hypothetical scenario, stating, in essence, “I haven’t sinned, but let’s assume that I have. Why don’t you forgive my transgression, remove my iniquity, and restore my health?” Job feels that God is relentlessly tormenting him with no relief in sight. Unless God intervenes soon, Job will cease to exist (7:21), so he tells God, ” Meet me in court!”

Job expresses his readiness to speak to God and to face his day in court, stating, “and let come on me what may” (13:13). He maintains his integrity.

Job 13:16-18
This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him. ¹⁷ Keep listening to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears. ¹⁸ Behold, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be in the right.

Remember, Job is responding to his friends’ accusations that his sins caused his current circumstances. He believes that his case before God will bring him salvation. He has had ample time to prepare for this encounter and has constructed a compelling argument while tending to his sores in the garbage dump. He is confident in the outcome, asserting, “I know that I shall be in the right.”

One of the most well-known verses in this book is at the heart of this request for a divine hearing. Job declares:

Job 13:15
Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

Let’s make sure we understand what he is saying.

Job reached a point where he was willing to risk everything. He desperately sought to be exonerated before God. “Though he slay me” can be translated “He will surely slay me.” He understood the stakes were high in presenting his case, knowing that God could indeed kill him. Nevertheless, he hoped that God would vindicate him.^[1] One commentator notes that Job’s statement reflected “the strongest confidence in both his innocence and God’s justice.”^[2] He acknowledged the verdict could go either way and was prepared to take the risk. Another commentator observes, “Job was so sure of his integrity that he would take his chances. After all, if he did nothing, he would die; and if God rejected him, he would die; but there was always the possibility that God would prove him right.”^[3]

Pain encompasses many emotions—doubt and despair, frustration and discouragement, anger, and a desire for vindication. Job cannot convince his friends of his innocence, so he seeks to be exonerated by God. This would prove to his friends and himself that he is blameless. Yet, we must remember how this story begins in Job 1-2. God’s purpose is to demonstrate Job’s faithfulness—even when he does not understand—even as the “whys” remain unanswered—even when suffering persists. Ultimately, God does not seek a courtroom showdown. When God speaks, there will be no opportunity for rebuttal or debate. God is God. And even when we fail to understand, he is writing our story—even in our suffering—especially in our suffering.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 13:13-19. What is Job’s challenge in these verses?

Talking to God
Ask God to help you trust him…even when you can’t understand.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon.

^[1] John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Job 13:15.

^[2] Robert L. Alden, Job, vol. 11, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 160.

^[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Patient, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 51–52.