Job’s friends continually remind him of God’s righteous judgment. Yet, says Job, he will have nothing to fear on the day of God’s judgment. On the contrary, he looks forward to it (Job 19:27). It is they that should fear God’s judgment, since they have committed a sin that deserves punishment of the sword.
They are guilty of false accusation (see further Deuteronomy 19:16–21).
29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishment of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment.”