Gregory the Great

6th centuryChurch Father

Remove Your hand far from me, and let not Your dread terrify me. By this plea, what else does he seek through the prophetic voice but moments of grace and redemption? The Law has left humanity defenseless against retribution, and those who sin under its authority must face imminent punishment by death. The Jewish people do not worship God from a place of love but rather from fear. However, genuine truth cannot be enhanced by fear, as perfect love expels fear, according to the words of John. Paul offers solace to the children of God, reminding them that they have not received a spirit of bondage leading them back into fear, but rather the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, Abba, Father.

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Therefore, from the voice of humanity arises a yearning to diminish the severity of the Law's grip, and an eagerness to transition from fear to love. Thus, he implores God to distance two burdens from him, as he cries out: Remove Your hand far from me, and let not Your dread terrify me; meaning, take away the blow, lift the burden of fear, so that in that moment, the grace of love may enlighten me, pouring forth the spirit of assurance, for if I were not separated from the fear and affliction, I know I would not escape the strictness of Your scrutiny. For no one can stand justified before You who serves not out of love, but solely from fear. He longs for the presence of his Creator to be made manifest in physical form so he might hear the knowledge he lacks and be heard regarding what he understands. He continues directly:

4th centuryTeacher of the Church

The obscurity of these phrases can be clarified in the following manner. The speaker expresses that if God were to treat him as his companions suggest and view him as if he were corrupt, he would withdraw from God's presence; however, if God would take away His hand and cease to terrify him, then he would not be shaken. Just as Adam was concealed from God’s gaze, so too is every sinner hidden from Him due to their unworthy actions. Conversely, to be hidden by God is reflected in the scripture, "Thou shalt hide them under the covering of Thy face from the rebellions of men" (Psalm 30:21). This implies a form of salvation when God protects the devout individual from falling into the temptations of others.

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The concept of being hidden may also refer to the profound contemplation of God's countenance, which stands in contrast to the visible. Through the manifestations of Divine Providence and creation, God cannot be obscured but is instead revealed. It is written, "For what can be known of God is manifest to them, because God has revealed Himself to them. For the invisible things of Him from the foundation of the world through the consideration of the creatures are visible" (Rom. 1:19). Thus, just as salvation is concealed by God, attempting to hide like Adam is ultimately futile. Job refrains from this because he is not guilty of sin, stating, "Remove Thy hand from me... that they may learn that I endure this not for sins," as his friends believed he was afflicted due to wrongdoing.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job possesses a profound understanding, much like his companions, and is prepared to articulate his beliefs before God if needed. However, he is perplexed by their unwavering conviction in defending their flawed reasoning (13:1-12). He implores them to pay close attention, asserting that it is not without purpose that he dares to submit himself to the most rigorous scrutiny, invoking the Lord to evaluate his case based on their assertions (13-19). Subsequently, Job directs his plea to the Lord, seeking a response as to why he endures such immense suffering (20-28) and questions whether humanity, in its frailty and brief existence, warrants such harsh afflictions (14:1-6).

Job 13:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Church Fathers on this verse

Gregory the Great

Didymus the Blind

Ireneus (Orda)

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