Matthew Henry Commentary Job 23:13-17

"But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him. Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him. For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me; Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face." — Job 23:13-17 (ASV)

Since Job never questions that his trials are from God's hand and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is that the hope and reward of God's faithful servants are reserved only for the next life; and he maintains that it is clear to everyone that the wicked are not treated according to what they deserve in this life, but often quite the opposite.

Although obtaining mercy—the first-fruits of the Spirit of grace—gives assurance of a God who will certainly finish the work He has begun, the afflicted believer should not conclude that all prayer and entreaty will be in vain, and that he should sink into despair and lose heart when rebuked by Him. It may be that God's intention in afflicting him is to produce penitence and prayer in his heart.

May we learn to obey and trust the Lord, even in tribulation, and to live or die as He pleases; for we do not know for what good purposes our lives may be shortened or prolonged.