Job continues his response to Zophar. Job’s response to Zophar takes three chapters. (Chapters 12, 13 and 14) This is the longest response Job has given thus far.
1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this, My ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. Job 13:1-2 (NKJV)
WHAT JOB AND HIS FRIENDS KNOW
In verses one and two Job confirms that he has seen and heard the same things that Zophar has. He is not ignorant of the things that are taking place around him or the theology of the day. It is wise for us to be aware of what is going on around us. We can not bury our heads in the sand. Job assures Zophar that he is not inferior to him.
Matthew Henry says of these two verses, “Those who enter into disputation enter into temptation to magnify themselves and vilify their brethren more than is fit, and therefore ought to watch and pray against the workings of pride.” The irony of the situation is that neither Job nor his friends know very much. As humans we but see through “a glass dimly.” We do not have all knowledge – only God does.
3 But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God. Job 13:3 (NKJV)
JOB SEEKS TO SPEAK WITH GOD
In verse three Job says, “Let me take it to the top. Let me talk to the one who says, ‘The buck stops here.’”
Who can stand before God? Are we so close to God that we will sit and drink coffee with Him? Will He invite us home for dinner like we are one of His buddies? God is above the heavens. Every knee will bow at His presence. When Moses came into the presence of God he was told to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. (It was not the ground that was holy – but the presence of a holy God that made it holy.) There is still to be the fear of the Lord. He is God and we are not.
Job has already heard what the three friends have to say – they are of no help.
4 But you forgers of lies, You are all worthless physicians. 5 Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom! 6 Now hear my reasoning, And heed the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak wickedly for God, And talk deceitfully for Him? 8 Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? 9 Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man? 10 He will surely rebuke you If you secretly show partiality. 11 Will not His excellence make you afraid, And the dread of Him fall upon you? 12 Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. 13 "Hold your peace with me, and let me speak, Then let come on me what may! Job 13:4-13 (NKJV)
JOB SPEAKS OUT AGAINST HIS FRIENDS
In verse four Job goes on the offensive. He has listened to the “wisdom” of his three friends and now he wants his turn to speak. Job calls them liars and worthless doctors. Job calls his friends “worthless physicians” because they have given advice but have no real cure for it. He says that the wisest thing that they could do is to be silent. “Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.” Proverbs 17:28 (MSG)
Job asks his three friends a series of questions:
1. Will you speak falsely for God? (verse 7)
2. Are you His mouthpiece? (verse 8)
3. When all is said and done where will you stand with God? (verse 9)
In verse twelve Job tells his friends that their wisdom is nothing more than ashes and clay. Job asks his friends to let him speak. He says that once he says what he has to say – let the chips fall where they may.
14 Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hands? 15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. 16 He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him. 17 Listen carefully to my speech, And to my declaration with your ears. 18 See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated. 19 Who is he who will contend with me? If now I hold my tongue, I perish. 20 "Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You: 21 Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid. 22 Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me. 23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. 24 Why do You hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy? 25 Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble? 26 For You write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth. 27 You put my feet in the stocks, And watch closely all my paths. You set a limit for the soles of my feet. 28 "Man decays like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. Job 13:14-28 (NKJV)
JOB’S ENDURANCE
Job makes a very bold statement in verse 15. “Even if He (God) kills me, I will hope in Him.” Job 13:15 (HCSB) Then he goes on to say in verse 16, “He also shall be my salvation.” Job 13:16 (NKJV) Job believes that he has been treated unfairly – yet he never turns his back on God. After Job has lost – all that he has lost – he does not turn his back on God. That is why the New Testament: “See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord: the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11 (HCSB)
Job believes that if he can take his case before God – everything will be set right. (verse 18) Job asks two things of God:
1. That God would not allow so much affection. (verse 21)
2. That Job would be able to talk to God directly. (verse 22)
Job then goes on to ask God to show him his sin. (verse 23) “How many sins have been charged against me? Show me the list—how bad is it?” Job 13:23 (MSG) Would you want to see a list of your sin? I know that I wouldn’t – I’m sure that God’s list against me is much longer than my list. He sees things that I can’t even imagine. Praise God that He loves me just the same.
Asking God to show him his sin is the first of a series of questions Job asks:
1. How many are the sins against me?
2. Why do you hide Your face from me?
3. Do You regard me as Your enemy?
4. Will You bring terror to a leaf?
5. Will You chase after dry straw?
God is the judge – He can keep a record – He can put us in shackles – He knows the number the steps that we will take.
The last verse of this chapter – Job speaks of the morality of man. Surely “ashes to ashes – dust to dust.” That is the end of men. We die. Only God has the power to raise us up again. Only God has the power to bring life to the dust of the ground.
Job’s perceived alienation was more heartbreaking than the loss of his possessions and comforts. Job cherished above all else his relationship with God and even through his suffering he sought the presence of God in his life. Is it any wonder that when Jesus was on the cross He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” He too knew that the most important thing in life is relationship with the Father. When all is said and done the most important aspect of heaven will be relationships. Possessions will be of no use. All we will have is a relationship with God and fellow followers of His.
