Job 13:20 – “Only grant me these two things, God, and then I will not hide from you.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Job 13:20, Job is addressing God directly, making a humble request. He asks for two things from God before he can speak freely and openly. Job desires an honest conversation with God, but he first asks for some relief from his overwhelming fear and suffering. He wants to approach God without feeling crushed by God’s power or overwhelmed by his current pain. The phrase “I will not hide from you” reflects Job’s desire to have an honest relationship with God, where he doesn’t need to withdraw or hide in fear.

Job, despite his suffering and confusion, longs for a real encounter with God. He isn’t trying to escape or accuse God; instead, he wants to understand what is happening to him and why. By asking for these two requests, Job is hoping for a chance to engage with God in a meaningful way, free from the weight of his suffering and fear of God’s overwhelming majesty.

Historical Context

The Book of Job explores the question of why righteous people suffer. Job was a man of great integrity who lost everything—his wealth, family, and health. His friends believed that his suffering must be a punishment for sin, but Job knew that wasn’t the case. As Job wrestles with his suffering, he repeatedly expresses a desire to understand why God has allowed this to happen. He wants to hear from God directly and to present his case.

In the ancient world, people often viewed suffering as a direct consequence of wrongdoing, so Job’s friends tried to convince him that his suffering was deserved. But Job sought more than their explanations; he wanted to hear from God Himself. In Job 13:20, Job is preparing to speak openly to God, but he first asks for two things: relief from his fear and suffering so that he can engage with God honestly and without hesitation.

Theological Implications

Job 13:20 highlights a deep and important aspect of faith: the desire for a personal, honest relationship with God, even in the midst of suffering. Job doesn’t want to hide from God or keep his pain to himself—he wants to talk to God openly, but he feels like he needs some space to do so. This reveals that Job sees God as someone he can approach, but only if he’s not overwhelmed by fear or pain.

For Christians, this verse teaches that it’s okay to bring our pain and questions to God. Job’s request shows that even when we’re suffering, God invites us to approach Him. Job is honest about his fear and pain, and he asks God to make a way for a real conversation. This shows that God desires a relationship with us that’s built on honesty, even in our moments of deepest struggle.

Literary Analysis

Job 13:20 is written as a direct appeal to God, making the reader feel the urgency and sincerity of Job’s request. The phrase “grant me these two things” suggests that Job is not demanding anything; instead, he is asking for the opportunity to speak freely and honestly. The use of “I will not hide from you” shows Job’s desire for openness, despite his suffering.

The structure of this verse reflects a turning point in Job’s speech. Up until now, Job has been wrestling with his friends’ accusations and his own suffering. Now, he turns directly to God, not with accusations, but with a heartfelt request. The verse sets the stage for the next part of Job’s conversation with God, where he will seek answers to his questions.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Like Job, this psalm encourages us to bring our burdens and struggles to God, trusting that He will sustain us.
• Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” This verse reflects Job’s desire to cry out to God and be heard, trusting that God will respond to his cries for help.
• Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus’ invitation to come to Him with our burdens echoes Job’s request for relief so he can engage with God honestly.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Job 13:20 teaches that we can approach God with honesty, even in our pain and confusion. Job’s request for God to grant him relief before he speaks shows that God understands our need for mercy in times of distress. When we are overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask God for help before we pour out our hearts to Him.

This verse also reminds us that God invites us to come to Him with our real selves. Job didn’t want to hide from God, and neither should we. God wants a relationship with us where we are free to express our pain, questions, and fears, trusting that He listens and cares.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Job 13:20 reveals that God is not distant or uncaring. A loving God is willing to listen when we are in pain, and He invites us to come to Him with our struggles. Job’s request shows that he believes God is approachable, even in the midst of suffering. The fact that Job wants to engage with God, rather than turn away, reflects his trust in God’s love and mercy.

God’s love is seen in His willingness to hear us out, even when we don’t understand why things are happening the way they are. Job’s appeal reminds us that God’s love allows us to ask for help, seek relief, and come before Him honestly, knowing that He desires a real relationship with us.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Job 13:20 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus made it possible for us to approach God with confidence. Just as Job longed for a way to speak to God without fear, Jesus opened the door for us to come to God freely, knowing that He listens to us and cares for us.

• Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Through Jesus, we can come to God without fear, trusting that He will give us the grace and mercy we need.
• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus offers us the peace that Job longed for—relief from fear and anxiety so that we can come to God with confidence.

Through Jesus, we are no longer separated from God by fear or guilt. He invites us to come boldly to God, knowing that we are loved and that our struggles are met with compassion.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Job’s desire to approach God without fear challenge you to be more honest in your own prayers?
2. Are there times when you feel overwhelmed by pain or fear? How can Job’s request for relief before speaking to God encourage you to ask for help?
3. What does it mean for you to come before God without hiding, as Job desired to do?
4. How does Jesus’ invitation to approach God with confidence give you peace in times of struggle?
5. How can this verse help you trust that God is willing to listen, even when you’re in the midst of deep suffering or confusion?

Job 13:20 reminds us that God invites us to come to Him honestly, even in our hardest moments. Like Job, we can ask for relief and trust that God listens to our cries. Through Jesus, we have the confidence to approach God, knowing that His love and grace are always available, no matter what we are going through.