Job 17:3

Lay down now. Or, “give now a pledge.” The terms used in this verse are law terms. Job calls upon God to go into court with him. The “pledge” refers to the money that the court requires before it undertakes the investigation of the case. The whole passage would be clearer if we knew more about ancient legal practices. It seems that Job desired God to give bond that he would enter into litigation with Job on equal terms.

Surety. Probably a further legal requirement, the nature of which is not disclosed. It may refer to a pledge to each other on the part of the litigants that they will abide by the decision of the judge.

Strike hands. An expression signifying to ratify an agreement (see Prov. 6:1; 17:18).