Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 23

Job released his earlier doubts (9:14–20, 32). Now he expresses confidence that he could present his complaint to God with success.

plead my case: Job wanted to present his legal case to God (13:3, 18, 22; 16:21; 31:35). Abraham pleaded directly with God about Sodom (Genesis 18:25–32). Moses did the same for Israel (Exodus 32:12–13; Numbers 14:13–19).

• Earlier, Job thought God was too powerful for him to "summon" (9:19). He asked for "a mediator" and requested that God not "frighten" him (9:33–34; 13:21). Here, he showed more hope that God would give him a fair legal hearing.

• delivered: Job wanted God to declare him innocent, not forgive him as if he were guilty (13:18; see Psalms 17:2–3; 26:1–3).

has tested me: Job did not want the kind of punishment that would make him clean as through "a refiner’s fire" (Proverbs 17:3; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2–3). He wanted a test to show he was already as pure as gold and did not need to change his life (Job 22:23).

No one can change God's mind (9:12–13; 11:10; 12:14; 34:29; Numbers 23:19–20; James 1:17).

• Terrified in His presence: See Psalms 77:3; 88:16; 119:120.

• Job had earlier complained about being in darkness (Job 19:8). Eliphaz and Bildad said this fate is for the evil person (15:22; 22:1; 18:6, 18).