13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
13 "But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.
13 But he is unchangeable,
13 "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to.
13 "But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.
13 But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 23:13
Commentary on Job 23:13-17
(Read Job 23:13-17)
As Job does not once question but that his trials are from the hand of God, and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is, that the hope and reward of the faithful servants of God are only laid up in another life; and he maintains that it is plain to all, that the wicked are not treated according to their deserts in this life, but often directly the reverse. But though the obtaining of mercy, the first-fruits of the Spirit of grace, pledges a God, who will certainly finish the work which he has began; yet the afflicted believer is not to conclude that all prayer and entreaty will be in vain, and that he should sink into despair, and faint when he is reproved of Him. He cannot tell but the intention of God in afflicting him may be to produce penitence and prayer in his heart. May we learn to obey and trust the Lord, even in tribulation; to live or die as he pleases: we know not for what good ends our lives may be shortened or prolonged.