Job 13:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 13:21
21 Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.
Chapter Context
Job 13 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, worship. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 13:21
21 Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.
Analysis
Job's first request: 'Withdraw thine hand far from me.' He asks God to remove the affliction crushing him. The 'hand of God' represents divine power and judgment—Job can't present his case while overwhelmed by suffering. His second request: 'let not thy dread make me afraid.' The Hebrew 'emah' (dread/terror) describes the overwhelming fear of divine presence. Job needs relief from both physical suffering and psychological terror to speak freely.
Historical Context
Divine dread accompanied theophanies throughout Scripture. Moses couldn't look at God's face (Exodus 33:20); Isaiah expected death after seeing the Lord (Isaiah 6:5). Job's request reflects biblical realism about human frailty before divine majesty.
Reflection
- How does Christ's mediation address Job's twin concerns—bearing God's judgment and removing terror?
- When has suffering or fear prevented you from freely communicating with God?
- What does Job's honesty about fear teach us about authentic prayer?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 9:34, 33:7, Psalms 39:10