Then I would speak without fear of Him.
In this phrase, Job expresses a longing for a mediator between himself and God, someone who could bridge the gap and allow him to speak freely without fear. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where approaching a deity directly was often seen as dangerous or presumptuous. Job's desire for a mediator foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). The fear of God in the Old Testament often denotes reverence and awe, but here it also includes the fear of divine judgment, which Job feels acutely in his suffering.

But as it is, I am on my own.
Job feels isolated in his suffering, emphasizing the absence of a mediator or advocate. This sense of isolation is a common theme in the book of Job, where friends and family fail to provide true comfort or understanding. Historically, this reflects the cultural context of ancient societies where community and family were central to one's identity and support system. Job's statement highlights the human condition of feeling alone in the face of suffering and injustice. This phrase also points to the need for divine intervention, which is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who promises never to leave or forsake His followers (Hebrews 13:5).

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, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the justice of God.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, whom Job is addressing in his discourse. Job is wrestling with understanding God's ways and justice in the midst of his suffering.

3. Job's Friends
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are significant in the context of Job's discourse. They represent traditional wisdom and challenge Job's perspective on suffering and righteousness.

4. The Heavenly Court
Earlier in the book, this is where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness, setting the stage for Job's trials.

5. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.Understanding Fear and Reverence
Job's desire to speak without fear highlights the tension between reverence for God and the human need for honest communication with Him. Believers are encouraged to approach God with both respect and openness.

The Feeling of Isolation
Job's statement, "I am on my own," reflects a profound sense of isolation. This can resonate with believers who feel distant from God during trials. It's important to remember that feelings of isolation do not equate to actual separation from God.

The Role of Faith in Suffering
Job's struggle is a testament to the challenge of maintaining faith amidst suffering. Believers are called to trust in God's character and promises, even when His ways are not understood.

The Importance of Community
While Job feels alone, the broader biblical account emphasizes the importance of community and support from fellow believers during times of trial.

Approaching God with Confidence
The New Testament encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that through Christ, we have access to His grace and mercy.(35) It is not so with me.--Literally, I am not so with me. The words are variously understood: "It is not so with me," i.e., "I am not thus without fear," as the former part of the verse supposes; or, "I am not so as ye suppose," i.e., guilty, but innocent; or, "Am I not right with myself?" i.e., inwardly conscious of my integrity and innocence (Job 10:1).

Verse 35. - Then would I speak, and not fear him. Job has imagined conditions which are impossible (though they may, to some extent, be compensated for in the actual scheme of man's redemption); and says that, under the circumstances which he has imagined, he would not fear to justify himself before God. The assertion is over-daring, and, as Schultens says, shows the patriarch to be no longer master of himself, but carried away by the force of overwrought feeling. But it is not so with me; i.e. "I am not in such a position as to enter on my justification." I am weighted by my sufferings, and also by my fears. I therefore decline the contest.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Then I would speak
אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה (’a·ḏab·bə·rāh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

without
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

fear of Him.
אִירָאֶ֑נּוּ (’î·rā·’en·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

But
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

as it is,
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I
אָ֝נֹכִ֗י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am on my own.
עִמָּדִֽי׃ (‘im·mā·ḏî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5978: Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto,


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OT Poetry: Job 9:35 Then I would speak and not fear (Jb)