Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 13

Job appealed to experience, just like his comforters had done (3:12–17; 5:2).

Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf: False witnesses were not allowed, even when speaking for God (Exodus 20:16).

Ashes have no value (see Isaiah 44:20).

Job thought about finding a judge to remove God's burden from him (9:33–34). Eliphaz had encouraged Job to accept God's discipline (5:17).

Job wanted God to call or summon him, so Job could defend himself. Or as an alternative, Job would speak to God. Then God would respond with the charges against Job. Since God did not choose the first option, Job started the second one (13:23). Eventually, God did call Job (38:1–3; 40:1–2). But Job could not reply (40:3–5).

• God can turn away in "anger"(Deuteronomy 31:18; Isaiah 54:8; Jeremiah 33:5). Or he can choose not to show friendship (Psalms 30:7; 69:17; 102:2).

• Job, perhaps making a play of words on his own name (’iyyob), denied being God's enemy (’oyeb).

 In the Old Testament, dry chaff often symbolizes something that can blow away or burn (Psalm 83:13; Isaiah 40:24; Jeremiah 13:24; Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 47:14; Malachi 4:1; see also “dry grass,” Isaiah 5:24; 33:11). It also represents weakness and lack of importance (Job 41:20–21; Isaiah 41:2).