איוב, פרק י״ג, פסוק כ׳

Job reaches a critical moment where he addresses God directly, setting the stage for an open, face-to-face confrontation. Before laying out his main arguments, he establishes a precondition. He asks God to hold back from certain actions so they can engage in a fair and open discussion. Job specifically asks God to refrain from two things. The primary approach among commentators is that he is referring to two specific actions that he is about to list in his upcoming plea [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, others view these two actions as different types of judgment or punishment. This can be understood as a request not to be judged simultaneously in both the heavenly and earthly courts [רש״י]. Alternatively, it is a plea to be spared from double punishment, asking God not to afflict him with suffering in both this world and the world to come [רמב״ן].

Job declares that if God grants this request, he will no longer hide from His presence. Most commentators explain that removing these pressures will allow Job to stand before God without fear, enabling him to argue his case openly and speak freely from the heart [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective sees this as a promise for the afterlife, where Job will be able to approach God and present his arguments after his death [רמב״ן].

Beyond the desire for a fair trial, Job expresses a deep longing for God's care and attention. If God fulfills this request, it will prove to Job that he is not hidden from God's watchful eye [תקות אנוש]. Job carries a deep fear of being despised and that God will turn away from him, so he asks for these conditions to ensure that God is truly listening [אלשיך]. Finally, this refusal to hide can also represent a readiness to face the truth. If God agrees to judge him solely in the heavenly court, Job promises that he will not try to conceal himself, but will instead openly confess his sins [רש״י].