Nowhere in the Lord’s first discourse in the previous two chapters of the Book of Job does he accuse Job of sinning or rebelling against him, as did the friends and Elihu. Moreover, neither has the Lord explained why he had caused Job’s calamities to fall upon him. Instead, the Lord approached Job and answered him out of the whirlwind, and in doing so he used judicial terms, which recalls Job’s desire that the Lord would justify him. In other words, the Lord answered Job according to his request to appear before the Lord, as though he were in a courtroom.
Previously, Job claimed that he had “ordered (his) cause” and expected to be justified, and he even claimed he would stake his life upon its truthfulness (Job 13:19-20). He asked God to answer him, to show him his iniquities, publicly or on the record (Job 13:23). Job spoke to God, saying: “…speak, and I will reply; or else let me speak, and you reply” (Job 13:22). In other words, Job wanted to be justified before his friends and other folks, whom he knew and had abandoned him. He asked the Lord to point out his sins, for which he was, allegedly, being punished, but Job believes he has shown he hadn’t committed sins worthy of God’s rebuke. Therefore, he asked God to justify him or acquit him of wickedness (Job 13:18-19).
The text implies a pause at this point, suggesting the Lord looked for a response, but Job was silent. It then continues, saying: “The Lord answered Job…” (Job 40:1), not that Job had any reply to make, but the Lord replied to Job’s silence. In other words, God showed up in Job’s court, just as Job requested. God chose to speak first, and now awaited Job’s reply (Job 40:2), for he had promised he would reply to the Lord’s testimony, which he expected would establish his righteousness publicly, before the friends, and everyone else who believed he was wicked (Job 13:18-19, 22). It has been noted that the text doesn’t say the Lord spoke out of the whirlwind (Job 40:1; cp 38:1 and 40:3). Some scholars believe the Lord spoke to Job gently, in a still small voice (cp. 1Kings 19:12), so as not to frighten him, which Job had also requested (Job 13:20-21).
Not to reply, would be impertinent, so Job opened his mouth and confessed he was of little account (vile; H7043). In other words, he had spoken out hastily earlier and was disrespectful. Therefore, he wished to apologize (Job 40:3-4). He had spoken once, earlier, and twice, now. However, he would not be so disrespectful again (Job 40:5). So, in effect, Job confessed he shouldn’t have spoken out. Therefore, he’d be quiet, now, and won’t speak out again. Nevertheless, this wasn’t good enough for the Lord. Effectively, all Job had had done was to speak out of law: “I was wrong, and I won’t behave that way again!” Law justifies no one, instead, its purpose is to accuse and point to one’s sin.
Job was caught between a rock and a hard place. He wished to be justified (Job 13:19) and even declared he would stake his life on his integrity (Job 13:20), but now, he realized he had spoken foolishly. While neither the friends nor Elihu could convict Job of wickedness, because he was, in fact, innocent of their charges, the Lord made no accusation against him. Instead, God convicted Job through the Lord’s own righteousness, implied in his creative power and wisdom, and Job was undone in the awe of it all!
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