Job 39

¹ Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? [or] canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?

² Canst thou number the months [that] they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?

³ They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.

⁴ Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.

⁵ Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?

⁶ Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.

⁷ He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.

⁸ The range of the mountains [is] his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.

⁹ Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?

¹⁰ Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?

¹¹ Wilt thou trust him, because his strength [is] great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?

¹² Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather [it into] thy barn?

¹³ [Gavest thou] the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?

¹⁴ Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,

¹⁵ And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.

¹⁶ She is hardened against her young ones, as though [they were] not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;

¹⁷ Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.

¹⁸ What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.

¹⁹ Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?

²⁰ Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils [is] terrible.

²¹ He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in [his] strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.

²² He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.

²³ The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.

²⁴ He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that [it is] the sound of the trumpet.

²⁵ He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

²⁶ Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, [and] stretch her wings toward the south?

²⁷ Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?

²⁸ She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.

²⁹ From thence she seeketh the prey, [and] her eyes behold afar off.

³⁰ Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain [are], there [is] she.

Overview of Job Chapter 39

Job 39 continues the discourse between God and Job, where God poses a series of rhetorical questions that highlight His omnipotence and the wonders of creation. This chapter emphasizes the majesty of the natural world and the creatures within it, illustrating the limitations of human understanding in contrast to divine wisdom.

The Majesty of Creation

In this chapter, God asks Job about various animals and their behaviors, which serve as a means to demonstrate His unparalleled knowledge and power. The questions posed are not merely inquiries; they are designed to reveal the complexity and beauty of creation, which is beyond human comprehension.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s control over nature and His role as the creator.
• Human Limitations: It highlights the inability of humans to fully understand or manage the natural world.
• Natural Order: The behaviors of animals illustrate a divinely ordained order in creation.

Detailed Analysis of Verses

1. Verses 1-4: God questions Job about the birth of mountain goats and deer.
   • This highlights the mystery of life and the processes of reproduction in the wild.
   • The mention of the specific time of birth indicates God’s intimate knowledge of creation.
2. Verses 5-8: The freedom of wild donkeys is discussed.
   • This illustrates the theme of autonomy in creation, as wild donkeys roam free without human control.
   • The imagery evokes a sense of untamed nature and the joy of freedom.
3. Verses 9-12: The strength of the wild ox is examined.
   • God questions whether Job can harness the wild ox, emphasizing its power and independence.
   • This serves as a metaphor for the uncontrollable aspects of life.
4. Verses 13-18: The ostrich is described as a creature that lacks wisdom yet is endowed with speed.
   • The ostrich’s behavior reflects a paradox of strength and folly, showcasing the variety of creation.
   • This reinforces the idea that wisdom is not solely measured by physical attributes.
5. Verses 19-25: The horse is depicted as a creature of war, filled with strength and fearlessness.
   • This section highlights the horse’s majestic qualities and its role in human endeavors.
   • The imagery evokes a sense of awe and respect for the animal’s capabilities.
6. Verses 26-30: The chapter concludes with a description of the hawk and the eagle.
   • These birds are portrayed as symbols of freedom and majesty, soaring high in the sky.
   • Their hunting instincts and ability to find prey further illustrate the divine order of nature.

Conclusion

Job 39 serves as a powerful reminder of the vastness of God’s creation and the limitations of human understanding. Through vivid imagery and rhetorical questions, God challenges Job to recognize His sovereignty and the intricate design of the world. This chapter invites readers to reflect on their place within creation and the mysteries that lie beyond human comprehension.