Would His majesty not terrify you?
This phrase emphasizes the overwhelming power and grandeur of God. In the context of Job, it reflects Job's understanding of God's supreme authority and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. The term "majesty" is often associated with kingship and divine authority, as seen in passages like Psalm 93:1, where God's majesty is linked to His reign over the earth. The idea of being terrified by God's majesty is consistent with the biblical theme of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not merely about being scared but involves a deep reverence and respect for God's holiness and power. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine or semi-divine figures, and their majesty would indeed inspire fear and respect among their subjects. This reflects the broader biblical narrative where God's majesty is unparalleled and demands a response of humility and reverence.

Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?
The "dread" of God refers to a profound sense of awe and fear in the presence of His holiness and justice. This concept is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Isaiah 6:5, where Isaiah is overwhelmed by the vision of God's holiness. The dread of God is not just about fear of punishment but also an acknowledgment of His moral perfection and the human inability to stand before Him without His grace. In the historical context of Job, this dread would be understood as a natural response to the divine, especially in a culture where the gods were often seen as capricious and powerful. However, the God of Israel is depicted as just and righteous, and His dread is tied to His moral authority. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who embodies both the majesty and the approachable nature of God. While Christ's first coming was marked by humility, His second coming will reveal His full majesty and power, as described in Revelation 19:11-16, where the nations will indeed experience the dread of His righteous judgment.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up arguing with him, suggesting that his suffering is due to sin.

3. God's Majesty
The focus of Job's rhetorical question, emphasizing the awe-inspiring and terrifying nature of God's presence and power.

4. The Dialogue
This verse is part of Job's response to his friends, where he challenges their understanding of God's justice and power.

5. The Setting
The land of Uz, where Job lived, a place of ancient wisdom and prosperity, now a backdrop for Job's trials and dialogues.The Majesty of God
Recognize and revere the majesty of God in our daily lives. His greatness should inspire both awe and humility in us.

The Fear of the Lord
Understand that the fear of the Lord is not just terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of His power and authority.

Questioning and Faith
Like Job, we may question God's ways, but we should do so with a heart that seeks understanding and remains faithful.

Comforting Others
When offering comfort, be mindful of the complexity of God's workings and avoid simplistic explanations for suffering.

God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's sovereignty, even when His ways are beyond our understanding, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our good.Verse 11. - Shall not his excellency make you afraid! and his dread fall upon you? Will not the very excellency and perfection of God cause you all the more to fear, since they will be arrayed against you? God, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, who is no respecter of persons, and hates those who are respecters of persons, will by his very purity and truth be offended at your conduct, and induced to punish it,

Parallel Commentaries ...


Would His majesty
שְׂ֭אֵתוֹ (’ê·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7613: An elevation, leprous scab, elation, cheerfulness, exaltation in rank, character

not
הֲלֹ֣א (hă·lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

terrify you?
תְּבַעֵ֣ת (tə·ḇa·‘êṯ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1204: To fall upon, startle, terrify

Would the dread of Him
וּ֝פַחְדּ֗וֹ (ū·p̄aḥ·dōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

not fall
יִפֹּ֥ל (yip·pōl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

upon you?
עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT Poetry: Job 13:11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid (Jb)