Job yearns for his day in court before God, certain that his integrity will be upheld.
In “Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written,” (v.35), Job passionately longs for someone to truly hear his case. He has poured out his heart, maintaining his innocence and proclaiming he has lived uprightly before God and man. The phrase “here is my signature” suggests that Job is putting his name to a final, formal defense. In ancient law courts, one would bind oneself to a sworn statement through a personal seal, indicating total confidence in the truthfulness of one’s testimony. Despite his pain and suffering, Job believes that if God would answer him, his righteousness would be validated.
By calling God “the Almighty,” Job acknowledges God’s ultimate authority, placing the right to any final judgment solely in God’s hands. He has lost his family, wealth, and health, which for someone living in the patriarchal period (circa 2000 BC) would be devastating—yet he remains steadfast in his convictions. Job longs not only for vindication but also for a genuine encounter with the Creator. He wants an open hearing, suspecting that the written allegations of his adversaries fail to grasp the deeper realities of his struggle.
The mention of “the indictment which my adversary has written” amplifies his frustration. He feels wrongly accused, as though an unseen accuser has laid charges against his character. Job’s desperate plea underscores his desire for justice and his hope that God will clear away any false accusations. It also foreshadows the eventual resolution of his questions, when God Himself responds in a direct revelation (Job 38-41).
Set to dark mode
Job 31:35 meaning
In “Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written,” (v.35), Job passionately longs for someone to truly hear his case. He has poured out his heart, maintaining his innocence and proclaiming he has lived uprightly before God and man. The phrase “here is my signature” suggests that Job is putting his name to a final, formal defense. In ancient law courts, one would bind oneself to a sworn statement through a personal seal, indicating total confidence in the truthfulness of one’s testimony. Despite his pain and suffering, Job believes that if God would answer him, his righteousness would be validated.
By calling God “the Almighty,” Job acknowledges God’s ultimate authority, placing the right to any final judgment solely in God’s hands. He has lost his family, wealth, and health, which for someone living in the patriarchal period (circa 2000 BC) would be devastating—yet he remains steadfast in his convictions. Job longs not only for vindication but also for a genuine encounter with the Creator. He wants an open hearing, suspecting that the written allegations of his adversaries fail to grasp the deeper realities of his struggle.
The mention of “the indictment which my adversary has written” amplifies his frustration. He feels wrongly accused, as though an unseen accuser has laid charges against his character. Job’s desperate plea underscores his desire for justice and his hope that God will clear away any false accusations. It also foreshadows the eventual resolution of his questions, when God Himself responds in a direct revelation (Job 38-41).