There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
Ver. 7. There the righteous might dispute with him] There for then; sc. when God shall put strength into him; the upright or honest man (who draweth near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having his heart sprinkled from an evil conscience by the blood of Jesus Christ, Heb 10:22) might dispute with God, but not unless he have that advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just one, to appear in the presence of God for him, Hebrews 9:24, as the lawyer appeareth for his client, to put by and non suit all accusations, to plead his cause, and to justify him by the only merit of his righteousness and obedience. All St Paul's care was to be found in Christ when sought for by the justice of God; not having his own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, Philippians 3:9; for sordet in conspectu iudicis, quod fulget in conspectu operantis (Aug.), "that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God," Luke 16:15. They only may dispute with God, that is, in a humble and laudable manner plead with him, as did Jacob, Genesis 32:24, and Jeremiah, Jeremiah 12:1, who partake of Christ's righteousness imputed and imparted; opposing to the appearances of God's wrath the firm persuasion of his grace, by the seal of his Spirit, Et O quam hoc non est omnium! This is few men's happiness.
So should I be delivered for ever from my judge] Who would quit me by proclamation; and then I should the less care to be condemned by you, my fellow prisoners. I care not for man's day, since he that judgeth me is the Lord, 1 Corinthians 4:3,4; where note what boldness and confidence the upright have in God; neither shall they be herein deceived, as Job was not.