\\INTRODUCTION TO JOB 13\\

Job begins this chapter by observing the extensiveness of his
knowledge, as appeared from his preceding discourse, by which it was
evident he was not less knowing than his friends, \\#Job 13:1,2\\; and
therefore would have nothing to do with them as judges in his cause,
but would appeal to God, and debate the matter before him, and leave it
to his decision, since he could expect no good from them, \\#Job 13:3,4\\;
and all the favour he entreats of them is, that they would for the
future be no longer speakers, but hearers, \\#Job 13:5,6,13,17\\; he
expostulates with them about their wicked and deceitful way of pleading
for God, and against him, \\#Job 13:7,8\\; and in order to strike an awe
upon them, suggests to them, that they were liable to the divine
scrutiny; that God was not to be mocked by them, that he would surely
reprove them for their respect of persons, and desires them to consider
his dreadful majesty, and what frail creatures they were, \\#Job 13:9-12\\;
then he expresses his confidence in God, that he should be saved by
him, notwithstanding the afflictive circumstances he was in,
\\#Job 13:14-16\\; and doubted not he should be able so to plead his
cause, as that he should be justified, if God would but withdraw his
hand, and take off his dread from him, \\#Job 13:18-22\\; he desires to
know what his sins were, that he should hide his face from him, and
treat him with so much severity, who was but a poor, weak, feeble
creature, \\#Job 13:24,25\\; and concludes with a complaint of the
bitterness and sharpness of his afflictions, with which he was
consumed, \\#Job 13:26-28\\.