Job Prepares His Case
Job says his own eyes and ears have grasped the same realities the friends keep reciting, so he is not beneath them and wants to speak to the Almighty instead. He calls them worthless physicians whose lies pretend to defend God, warns that partiality on God's behalf will not survive divine scrutiny, and says their maxims are as fragile as ash and clay.
“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;
Job tells them to be silent so he may speak, even if that speech costs him his life. He says he will still press his ways before God, convinced that this honest approach is itself part of his vindication, and he declares that he has prepared his case and believes no one can successfully prove him wrong.
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?
Job asks God for only two conditions: remove the crushing hand and the terror that keeps him from speaking freely. He then asks to know his sins and why God hides his face, wondering why such force is spent pursuing a windblown leaf while bitter accusations, stocks, and scrutiny reduce a human life to rot and moth-eaten ruin.
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,