13 "So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me. 14 Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands? 15 Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end. 16 Just wait, this is going to work out for the best - my salvation! If I were guilt-stricken do you think I'd be doing this - laying myself on the line before God? 17 You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears. 18 Now that I've laid out my defense, I'm sure that I'll be acquitted. 19 Can anyone prove charges against me? I've said my piece. I rest my case. Why Does God Stay Hidden and Silent? 20 "Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you: 21 First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me. 22 Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 13:13-22
Commentary on Job 13:13-22
(Read Job 13:13-22)
Job resolved to cleave to the testimony his own conscience gave of his uprightness. He depended upon God for justification and salvation, the two great things we hope for through Christ. Temporal salvation he little expected, but of his eternal salvation he was very confident; that God would not only be his Saviour to make him happy, but his salvation, in the sight and enjoyment of whom he should be happy. He knew himself not to be a hypocrite, and concluded that he should not be rejected. We should be well pleased with God as a Friend, even when he seems against us as an enemy. We must believe that all shall work for good to us, even when all seems to make against us. We must cleave to God, yea, though we cannot for the present find comfort in him. In a dying hour, we must derive from him living comforts; and this is to trust in him, though he slay us.