Job
Chapter 13
My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood.
What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
But I want to speak to the Almighty, I want to plead my case with God.
You are ignoring the real issue and suggesting false solutions.
If only you would stay silent, that would at least be wise.
Hear my argument now; listen to my defense.
Will you speak falsely for God? Will you defend him with lies?
Will you side with him and speak up for him?
What if he tests you? Could he be tricked as people are?
He will surely rebuke you if you show favoritism in secret.
You will be terrified by his majesty, and you will fear him.
Heaps of ashes represent your principles; mounds of clay symbolize your defenses.
So stay quiet and let me talk; I do so at my own risk.
I am putting myself in jeopardy and gambling with my life.
Though he may slay me, I have no hope; but I will still argue with him;
and this boldness might even save me for godless do not dare draw near him.
Carefully listen to my words, and give my case a fair hearing.
I will proceed properly, believing that I am innocent.
If anyone can prove my guilt, I am ready to be silenced and face death.
Just grant me these two things, O God, and I won’t hide anything from you:
withdraw your hand far from me, and don’t scare me with your terrors.
Summon me, and I will respond; or let me speak first, then have your reply.
What are my faults, what are my sins? Make them all known to me.
Why hide your face from me and think of me as your enemy?
Why torment a wind-blown leaf or chase a withered straw?
But you seek accusations, and you recall the sins of my youth.
You shackle my feet, keep watch over all my paths, and mark out my footsteps.
He falls apart like rotted wood, like cloth eaten by moths.
Commentaries
First Speech Session.
Appalled by Job’s laments and his repeated “whys,” the three friends break their wise silence and feel urged to reply. The speeches are divided into three sessions: 4:1-14:22, 15:1-21:34, and 22:1-27:23. In the first two, each friend speaks, and Job responds extensively. The third session seems somewhat disorganized, likely due to confusion in the text.
Job’s Response to Zophar.
Unfazed by Zophar’s accusation, Job begins his longest speech, aside from chapters 29-31. Chapter 12 is rich with wise ideas and terminology; chapter 13 focuses on legal expressions; chapter 14 contains laments. In a culture that values honor and shame, “what people say” is very significant. Thus, in 12:4-6, Job reflects on how his misfortunes have caused him shame and disgrace by making him the target of mockery and scorn among his neighbors and family. Eliphaz previously spoke (5:10-13) about the God who creates. Here (12:13-25), Job speaks of the God who causes chaos in the natural world (12:15; 19:21ff), echoing the story of the universal flood (Genesis 6-8). Once again, Job seeks to bring God into the courtroom (13:3). He has three witnesses, but their testimonies are false!
To demonstrate that his friend’s words have neither intimidated nor silenced him, Job affirms that he is willing to defend his cause before God himself and come out alive! To do so, God must promise not to overwhelm him with His divine power (“hand”). However, he quickly recognizes his foolish confidence and returns to lamenting. He cannot consider himself sinless (13:26), but whatever his fault may be, it does not warrant this. His lament exposes the darker side of existence, highlighting two aspects: human life is fragile and fleeting (14:1-6), and there is no hope of life after death (14:7-22). We die, and that’s the end of it. Only physical pain and inner turmoil accompany the suffering in their loneliness (14:18-22).