Job

Chapter 13

Job Prepares His Case

Job says he understands the same truths the friends keep repeating and no longer wants their false defense of God. He resolves to take his case directly to the Almighty, willing to risk himself in that encounter, then asks only for room to speak and presses God to name the charges that have turned him into a hunted, decaying thing.

This chapter carries Job's reply from general argument into open litigation. The friends are no longer his main audience; he now treats their counsel as a hindrance and prepares for the dangerous work of speaking before God himself.

1 section·176 words·~1 min read

Begin reading Zoom into first section

Reader

Job 13

A continuous BSB reading flow. Turn on the guide when you want authored orientation; leave it off when you simply want the text.

vv. 1-28

Job Prepares His Case

Open section

“¹Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; ²What you know, I also know; ³Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty ⁴You, however, smear with lies; ⁵If only you would remain silent; ⁶Hear now my argument, ⁷Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf ⁸Would you show Him partiality ⁹Would it be well when He examined you? ¹⁰Surely He would rebuke you ¹¹Would His majesty not terrify you? ¹²Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;

¹³Be silent, and I will speak. ¹⁴Why do I put myself at risk ¹⁵Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. ¹⁶Moreover, this will be my salvation, ¹⁷Listen carefully to my words; ¹⁸See now, I have prepared my case; ¹⁹Can anyone indict me?

²⁰Only grant these two things to me, ²¹Withdraw Your hand from me, ²²Then call me, and I will answer, ²³How many are my iniquities and sins? ²⁴Why do You hide Your face ²⁵Would You frighten a windblown leaf? ²⁶For You record bitter accusations against me ²⁷You put my feet in the stocks ²⁸So man wastes away like something rotten,

Section map

Open the closer view when you want it.

Each section keeps the passage focused, adds summaries and cross references, and gives verse-level links.

01vv. 1-28Job Prepares His CaseJob tells the friends he knows what they know and wants them to stop speaking falsely for God. He insists on taking his case to the Almighty, says that even the risk of death will not keep him from speaking, and then turns directly to God with a request for space to answer before asking why he is treated like an enemy and worn down like something already ruined.