Job 13:19

Plead with] RV 'contend with': to prove him a sinner. For now, etc.] RV 'For now shall I hold my peace and give up the ghost': i.e. if his innocence were disputed. Note how in prospect of his case coming into court Job's spirits rise. He is so certain of his innocence that he cannot believe that it can help being established. The axiom on which this rests is his conviction of God's righteousness, once more a strange contrast to his charges against Him.

20, 21. Job begs that God will free him from the sense of terror which he naturally feels. Thy dread] i.e. dread of Thee.

23-28. He seeks to know his sins, and the reasons of God's treatment.