How could Job say, “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him”?

Answer

In Job 13:15, Job declares, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” This faith-filled statement has inspired countless believers over the centuries to cultivate a similar trust in the Lord during trials.

Job made this declaration during a period of intense pain and suffering. He had lost all his children, wealth, and health. His friends were unhelpful, and his wife offered no support, even suggesting, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Job felt as if his life was over, with death being the only option. However, Job affirmed that even if God were to “slay” him, he would still maintain his trust in Him.

It is noteworthy that Job recognized that the suffering he experienced was ultimately permitted by God. God had the authority and power to “slay” Job. Despite his agony, Job understood that “the LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6). The Lord alone possesses the “keys of death” (Revelation 1:18).

Job’s faith is evident in his unwavering trust in God, even if God’s plan leads to his death. Such steadfast faith in God’s goodness and glory cannot be shaken. Job may not comprehend the reasons behind his suffering, but he firmly believes in God’s goodness, love, and reliability.

In the subsequent verse, Job further expresses his faith:“Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him!” «He also shall be my salvation: For a hypocrite shall not come before him.», (Job 13:16). The idea seems to be that if Job dies, he will be with God (the “this” refers to Job’s death). At the same time, Job maintains his innocence: he is not a “godless person” and will therefore be admitted to God’s presence.

Job realizes his pain was not permanent. With God, there is a way of escape. The suffering of this life is temporary and will end for those who trust in the Lord. After this life, there is eternal life with God in heaven for the believer. In fact, Jesus came to offer eternal life to all who would believe «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.», (John 3:16). By God’s grace, faith is all that is required to be made right with God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Job appears to also challenge God at the risk of his own life. In other words, Job is willing to go before God with his case even if he dies in the process. Job’s statement that he is innocent in Job 13:16 becomes more insistent throughout the rest of the book. The final chapter of Job shows the results of Job’s pleading. Job oversteps what was right in saying he was without sin. As a result, Job ends his conversation with God differently, stating, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” «Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.», (Job 42:3). He concludes, “I desp

“I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” «Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent In dust and ashes. », (Job 42:6).

The apostle Paul echoes Job’s declaration of faith in Philippians 1:20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” When we endure suffering and lack understanding, we can have faith that God has a greater plan that is beyond our sight. Instead of trying to justify ourselves before God, Job’s story teaches us that we can rely on the Lord. He has a perfect plan, and may Christ be exalted “by life or by death.”