Job 13:8 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Will ye contend for God— The Hebrew for contend is a judicial term, and oftentimes used for putting a sentence in execution. Of this there is a particular instance in the case of Gideon, who was demanded by the men of his city to be put to death for casting down the altar of Baal, Judges 6:31.; where, though our translators render it plead, the sense necessarily requires it to be rendered execute vengeance; for the question was, not about pleading, but instantaneously putting to death. If he be a God, let him execute vengeance for himself. Job here convicts his friends of wickedness; of taking upon them to defend God in an improper manner, as if he needed their rash censures to vindicate the ways of his providence. This was such a fault as they had but too much reason to fear might, one time or other, draw down his severe chastisements on their own heads. He will surely reprove you, Job 13:10 if you secretly accept persons: i.e. if you judge thus rashly and unjustly even for him, or in vindication of his ways. See Peters.