Albert Barnes Commentary Job 23:13

"But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." — Job 23:13 (ASV)

But he is in one mind - He is unchangeable. He has formed his plans, and no one can divert him from them. There can be no dispute about the truth of this sentiment. The only difficulty in this case is to understand why Job referred to it here and how it relates to the train of thought he was pursuing.

The idea seems to be that God was now accomplishing his eternal purposes concerning him; that he had formed a plan far back in eternal ages, and that plan must be executed. It implies that he was a Sovereign, and however mysterious his plans might be, it was futile to contend with them, and that humanity ought to submit to their execution with patience and resignation. Job still expected that God would come forth and vindicate him; but at present, all he could do was to submit.

He did not pretend to understand the reason for the divine dispensations; he felt that he had no power to resist God. The language here is that of a man who is perplexed regarding the divine dealings, but who feels that they are all in accordance with the unchangeable purpose of God.

And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth - He does what he pleases. None can resist or control him. It is futile, therefore, to contend against him. From this passage, we see that the doctrine of divine sovereignty was understood at a very early age of the world and undoubtedly entered into the religion of the patriarchs.

It was then seen and felt that God was absolute; that he was not dependent on his creatures; that he acted according to a plan; that he was inflexible regarding that plan, and that it was futile to attempt to resist its execution. It is, when properly understood, a matter of unspeakable consolation that God has a plan—for who could honor a God who had “no” plan, but who did everything haphazardly? It is a cause for rejoicing that he has “one” great purpose which extends through all ages and embraces all things—for then everything falls into its proper place and has its appropriate bearing on other events.

It is a cause for joy that God “does” execute all his purposes; for as they are all good and wise, it is “desirable” that they should be executed. It would be a calamity if a good plan were not executed. Why then should people complain about the purposes or the decrees of God?