18 Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost. 20 Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face: 21 Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid. 22 Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 13:18-22
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.