been in confusion and ruin long ago. These important truths were suited to convince the disputants
that they were out of their depth in attempting to assign the Lord's reasons for afflicting Job; his
ways are unsearchable, and his judgments past finding out. Let us remark what beautiful illustrations
there are in the word of God, confirming his sovereignty, and wisdom in that sovereignty: but the
highest and infinitely the most important is, that the Lord Jesus was crucified by the malice of the
Jews; and who but the Lord could have known that this one event was the salvation of the world?
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Job reproves his friends. (1–12)
He professes his confidence in God. (13–22)
Job entreats to know his sins. (23–28)Verses 1–12
With self-preference, Job declared that he needed not to be taught by them. Those who dispute
are tempted to magnify themselves, and lower their brethren, more than is fit. When dismayed or
distressed with the fear of wrath, the force of temptation, or the weight of affliction, we should
apply to the Physician of our souls, who never rejects any, never prescribes amiss, and never leaves
any case uncured. To Him we may speak at all times. To broken hearts and wounded consciences,
all creatures, without Christ, are physicians of no value. Job evidently speaks with a very angry
spirit against his friends. They had advanced some truths which nearly concerned Job, but the heart
unhumbled before God, never meekly receives the reproofs of men.
Verses 13–22
Job resolved to cleave to the testimony his own conscience gave of his uprightness. He depended
upon God for justification and salvation, the two great things we hope for through Christ. Temporal
salvation he little expected, but of his eternal salvation he was very confident; that God would not
only be his Saviour to make him happy, but his salvation, in the sight and enjoyment of whom he
should be happy. He knew himself not to be a hypocrite, and concluded that he should not be
rejected. We should be well pleased with God as a Friend, even when he seems against us as an
enemy. We must believe that all shall work for good to us, even when all seems to make against
us. We must cleave to God, yea, though we cannot for the present find comfort in him. In a dying
hour, we must derive from him living comforts; and this is to trust in him, though he slay us.
Verses 23–28
Job begs to have his sins discovered to him. A true penitent is willing to know the worst of
himself; and we should all desire to know what our transgressions are, that we may confess them,