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I. DREAD OF THE RESULT OF THE APPEAL COMES UPON HIS MIND AT THE VERY MOMENT OF EXECUTING HIS RESOLVE. (Vers. 13-15.) So with Moses (Exodus 33:20), with Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:22); so with Abraham pleading for the cities of the plain (Genesis 18:23, et seq.). It is the consciousness of weakness in the presence of omnipotence, of sinfulness in the presence of perfect holiness, which checks the spirit on the threshold of the unseen world and the unseen Presence. Over the door of an Eastern temple (as Spenser tells the story) there was an inscription, "Be bold," and over a second door repeated, "Be bold;" and again, "Be bold, and evermore be bold;" but last of all over the inner door was written, "Be not too bold." So fear and reverence chasten the confidence with which the believing child of God, in the full confidence of right, draws near to him.

II. TERROR LAID ASIDE. (Vers. 15, 16.) There is solace to Job in the thought that he shall be able to speak forth his most sacred convictions before he dies (ver. 15). But there is another and a nobler train of thought suggested here. His innocence will at last lead to his deliverance; for no unholy man dares appear before God; but he is not conscious of an unholy mind. Compare the noble fifteenth psalm.

III. DEMAND FOR A HEARING FROM HIS ADVERSARIES. (Vers. 17-19.) In this brief challenge we see all the features of the demeanour of a sincere and upright soul in the hour of trial.

1. Undaunted courage.

2. Presentiment of victory.

3. Readiness for all opponents and for all consequences.

These are the arms which innocence furnishes, and in which the weakest and most defenceless may be arrayed as in a panoply.

IV. PRELIMINARY REQUESTS. (Vers. 20-22.) Before proceeding with his appeal, Job makes two requests:

(1) that his pains may be assuaged;

(2) that he may not be terrified by the sudden visitation of God (comp. Job 9:34).

These he asks as the guarantees of the freedom of his speech. There is something deeply pathetic in this vacillation between confidence and fear - the confidence derived from the sense of innocence and right, the fear which the thought of the dread presence of the Divine must ever impress. LESSONS.

1. He who is most confident in the assurance of his innocence before man will be the most humble and timid in the presence of God.

2. Faith must finally overcome fear in every true heart. - J.

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KJV: Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will.

WEB: "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.