Job 13:21

Commentary on Job 13:21 (KJV)

Job 13:21 is a powerful and poignant expression from Job, who, despite his immense suffering and confusion, boldly addresses God directly. This verse encapsulates his desperate plea for a moment of respite and clarity from the divine pressure he feels.

Context

In chapters 12-14, Job is in intense dialogue with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. They have accused him of sin as the cause of his suffering, but Job maintains his integrity and challenges their simplistic theology. He expresses a profound desire to present his case directly to God, believing that if given a fair hearing, he could justify himself. This verse comes as Job prepares to lay out his arguments before the Almighty, asking for two conditions to be met so he can speak without being overwhelmed by God's terrifying presence.

Key Themes and Messages

• Desperate Plea for Relief: Job cries out for God to alleviate the physical and spiritual oppression he is experiencing. He views his suffering as a direct result of God's active hand upon him, and he longs for its withdrawal.
• Acknowledging God's Terrifying Majesty: Job understands the immense power and holiness of God. He is not asking God to diminish His power, but for a temporary cessation of the *dread* it inspires, so he can speak freely and logically. This highlights the awe-inspiring, yet sometimes overwhelming, nature of encountering the divine.
• Longing for a Fair Hearing: Underlying this request is Job's deep desire to have a rational conversation with God, to understand why he is suffering and to present his defense. He believes that if the divine pressure and terror were removed, he could engage in a meaningful discourse. This theme of Job's desire to directly confront God is central to his speeches, as seen in Job 13:3.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Withdraw thine hand far from me" uses "hand" (Hebrew: yad, יָד) which is a common biblical metaphor for God's power, authority, and active intervention, whether in blessing or judgment. Here, it refers to the affliction and pressure Job feels directly from God.

The word "dread" (Hebrew: eimah, אֵימָה) denotes a profound terror or awe. It's not just a simple fear but an overwhelming sense of fright and dread, often associated with the presence or actions of God, which can be paralyzing. Job is asking for God to temporarily suspend this terrifying aspect of His presence so that Job can engage in a more composed manner.

Practical Application

Job's bold yet humble plea offers several insights for believers today:

• Honesty in Prayer: Job demonstrates profound honesty and vulnerability in his prayers, even when addressing God about his suffering and fear. This encourages us to bring our true feelings, doubts, and fears before God, knowing He can handle our raw emotions.
• Seeking Clarity Amidst Suffering: Like Job, we often seek understanding when facing inexplicable hardship. This verse reminds us that it is natural to desire relief and clarity from divine pressure or mystery, even while acknowledging God's sovereignty.
• Respect for God's Majesty: Even in his desperate plea, Job acknowledges God's overwhelming power and the "dread" it inspires. This serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God, even as we approach Him with our laments, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 9:10 that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."
• Trusting God's Character: Despite the terror and suffering, Job continues to engage with God, demonstrating a deep, albeit struggling, trust that God is ultimately just and will hear his cry. This unwavering, though sometimes questioning, faith is a hallmark of the Book of Job.