Commentary for Job 38:3

Now gird your loins like a man He intimated to him that he should arouse himself from his illness and his sufferings.

During the debate, Job had asked for a hearing with God; this is now being granted to him. However, he had also asked that if it were granted, then first 'let Him remove His rod from my back, and let His awe not terrify me' (Job 9:34) so that they might confront one another on terms as equal as possible. This second request is now also granted and so before God proceeds any further with His questioning, He first restores Job to full health.