Job 13: "From those premises (Job 12) Job proceeds to show
that he has thought on the problem more deeply than his friends (Job 13:1-2),
but now desires to set his own case personally set his own case before God. God
is just, so that there must be an answer to his problem (Job 13:3-13). He then
reverently speaks with the Almighty (Job 13:14-23), pleading for an explanation
of his sufferings" (GEM).
Job 13:3
'My obedience to God is based on reason; yours in based on
fear and unquestioning submission.'
Job 13:4
The law of "exact retribution" had been proven false by Job in
Job 12:11-25.
Job 13:5
If you were truly "wise", you would remain silent while I
teach you (cp Pro 17:28).
Job 13:7
They had twisted the facts to suit themselves and their
predetermined theory, and claimed to be speaking God's mind.
Job 13:8
WILL YOU ARGUE THE CASE FOR GOD?: "Herein lies the
problem so many seem to have -- that they do not want to accept God's person,
but instead create a 'person' of their own making and ascribe it to Him. We must
accept God on His terms, by the revelation of Him from scripture, and not make
up what we think He should be like. This is very hard for us and many fail"
(RC).
Job 13:9
Do you think to hide your thoughts from God?
Job 13:13
Job now turns from man to appeal to God. He must present his
case to God.
Job 13:15
THOUGH HE SLAY ME, YET WILL I HOPE IN HIM: "Our
heavenly Father sends us frequent troubles to try our faith. If our faith be
worth anything, it will stand the test. Gilt is afraid of fire, but gold is not
[1Pe 1:7]: the paste gem dreads to be touched by the diamond, but the true jewel
fears no test. It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are
true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true
faith which holds by the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, when the
body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father's
countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, 'Though He
slay me, yet will I trust in Him', is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts His
servants to glorify Himself, for He is greatly glorified in the graces of His
people, which are His own handiwork. When 'tribulation worketh patience; and
patience, experience; and experience, hope' [Rom 5:3,4], the Lord is honoured by
these growing virtues. We should never know the music of the harp if the strings
were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in
the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed
and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed.
The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through
which His vessels of mercy are permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also
to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the
beauty of the lights" (CHS).
" 'Though He slay me, I will trust Him,'
Said the sainted Job of old;
'Though He try me in the furnace,
I shall then come forth as gold.
" 'Though the "worms of deep affliction"
Cause this body to decay,
In my flesh I shall behold Him --
My Redeemer -- some glad day.'
"Though He slay me -- can I say it
When I feel the searing fire,
When my fondest dreams lie shattered --
Gone my hope and fond desire?
"Though He slay me, I will trust Him,
For He knows just how to mold,
How to melt and shape my spirit --
I shall then come forth as gold!" (Mary Kimbrough).
Job 13:18
NOW THAT I HAVE PREPARED MY CASE, I KNOW I WILL BE
VINDICATED: A rash statement from the lips of Job. Was he driven to this
comment by the unhelpful nature of the comments of his friends?
Job 13:25
Am I worth such a great effort of destruction?
Job 13:26
THE SINS OF MY YOUTH: That is, old, forgotten,
repented-of sins.
Job 13:27
MARKS ON THE SOLES OF MY FEET: Following, bounding,
closing in, restricting.