Job 23:4
I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
Original Language Analysis
אֶעֶרְכָ֣ה
I would order
H6186
אֶעֶרְכָ֣ה
I would order
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
1 of 6
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
לְפָנָ֣יו
before
H6440
לְפָנָ֣יו
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
my cause
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
my cause
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּ֝פִ֗י
my mouth
H6310
וּ֝פִ֗י
my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Historical Context
This verse comes from Job's ninth speech (chapters 23-24), delivered deep in the dialogue cycle after Eliphaz's third accusation. By this point, Job has endured extensive speeches from friends who insist suffering proves guilt. The ancient Near Eastern legal culture assumed disputes could be resolved through formal court proceedings before elders or judges. Job's desire to present his case reflects this cultural framework, but his appeal transcends human courts—he wants God Himself as both judge and witness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's desire for honest dialogue with God challenge passive resignation in the face of suffering?
- What does Job's courtroom language teach about approaching God with our questions and complaints?
- How does Christ as our advocate fulfill what Job longed for—someone to present our case before God?
Analysis & Commentary
I would order my cause before him (אֶעֶרְכָה מִשְׁפָּט לְפָנָיו, e'erkah mishpat lefanav)—Job longs for a courtroom encounter with God where he could arak (arrange, set in order) his legal case. The verb evokes military formations or priestly arrangement of sacrifices, suggesting meticulous preparation. Fill my mouth with arguments (תּוֹכָחוֹת, tokhachot) means reasoned proofs or demonstrations, not mere rhetoric. Job desires rational discourse with the Almighty, confident his integrity would withstand divine scrutiny.
This verse reveals Job's bold faith—he doesn't want passive resignation but active vindication. Unlike his friends who counsel silent submission, Job seeks direct encounter, believing God values honest confrontation over false piety. His courtroom language (mishpat = justice/judgment) anticipates the New Testament's advocacy theme: Christ our advocate (παράκλητος, paraklētos) presents our case before the Father (1 John 2:1). Job intuitively grasps what would be fully revealed: God welcomes bold approach from His covenant people.