Job 38:3 - Exposition

Gird up now thy loins like a man . Job had desired to contend with God, to plead with him, and argue out his case ( Job 9:32-35 ; Job 13:3 , Job 13:18-22 ; Job 23:4-7 ; Job 31:35 ). God now offers to grant his request, and bids him stand forth "as a man'" and "gird himself" for the contest, which he has challenged. For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me . He will begin with interrogatories which Job must answer; then Job will be entitled to put questions to him. Job, however, on the opportunity being given him, shrinks back, and says, "Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken: but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further" ( Job 40:4 , Job 40:5 ). The confident boldness which he felt when God seemed far off disappears in his presence, and is replaced by diffidence and distrust.