Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 23:4

4. I would order my cause before him , and fill my mouth with arguments .

i. e. Orderly declare the things which concern and prove the right of my Cause;

not only debating the Controversie between my Friends and me, concerning my sincerity or hypocrisie before God, as a Witness or Judge; but also pleading with God as a Party, and modestly enquiring whether he doth not deal more rigorously with me than I might reasonably expect, wherein I desire no other Judge but himself.

To prove my Innocency and sincerity towards God, and consequently that I am severely used.

Marginal references: Ch. 13▪ 3▪ 1▪