Job 13:13-22 - God is not unreasonable

Job implored his friends to be quiet and listen to him. The way he puts it gives us the impression that he felt the urgency to say something that was important. He seemed to have sensed that what he was about to say might even place him in grave danger. It was like a great risk that he was about to make. Then Job proceeded to make a great statement of faith, exclaiming that, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” Job had audacious faith. He knew that God is reasonable. He allows his people, like us, to be candid and frank with Him in their struggles. Job was very sure that he was innocent. But his three friends were insistent that he had harboured some sins. The patriarch then made known that regardless of what his friends thought, he was going to debate his case with God, even at the rick of losing his life. Job was willing to speak his piece with God even if it meant that he had to die. He was willing to accept the punishment whatever it might be.   

Job’s bold claim that he would debate with God is an indication that he did not do anything wrong. Hence, he had nothing to fear. He maintained that he was righteous. If he was not godly, the last thing he would want would be to face the Almighty God. Job believed that his innocence would vindicate him before God. He was clear in his conscience and was sure he would be vindicated. So boldly he told his friends to be prepared to hear God pronounce his justification. Job offered to keep quiet if anyone of them could clearly show him his guilt. In verses 20-22, Job then made two appeals to God. He asked God to withhold his hand and not to terrorise him. So that he would have the strength to come before him and answer any charges God would make against him.

These verses tell us that Job was not afraid to face God because he knew he was innocent. He was sure that God was not an unreasonable person and would listen to him. In these verses we learn that we can come to God and seek to know his mind concerning our condition. For after all God had promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14 saying that “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”