Job - Chapter 39

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? Job 39.2 Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth? Job 39.3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows. Job 39.4 Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them. Job 39.5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? Job 39.6 Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings. Job 39.7 He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver. Job 39.8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing. Job 39.9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Job 39.10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? Job 39.11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him? Job 39.12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn? Job 39.13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? Job 39.14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust, Job 39.15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. Job 39.16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her’s: her labour is in vain without fear; Job 39.17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. Job 39.18 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. Job 39.19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Job 39.20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. Job 39.21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. Job 39.22 He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. Job 39.23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. Job 39.24 He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. Job 39.25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. Job 39.26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south? Job 39.27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? Job 39.28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. Job 39.29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. Job 39.30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.

Job : Chapter 39

Divine Wisdom Through Creation

Chapter 39 of the Book of Job immerses us in a fascinating divine response, highlighting the animal kingdom and God's infinite wisdom. How does the diversity of wildlife demonstrate this wisdom? Through a striking text, God describes the unique characteristics and behaviors of many creatures, from the mountain goat to the eagle. This chapter addresses profound themes such as divine providence in nature, the complexity of creation, and God's sovereignty over all creatures.

Job 39 reveals the Creator's meticulous attention to the details of His work. In this regard, we invite you to consider five biblical passages that shed light on the fascinating themes of this natural chapter.

Psalm 104:18

"The high hills are reserved for wild goats, and the cliffs are a refuge for rabbits." This verse echoes God's description of wild animal habitats in Job 39, illustrating God's care for His creation.

Psalm 29:9

"The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and lays waste the forests. And in His temple all the people say, 'Glory!' »" This verse relates to God's description of the birth of wild goats in Job 39, thus demonstrating divine control over natural processes.

Jeremiah 8:7

"Even the stork in the sky knows its appointed seasons, and the dove, the swallow, and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord." This verse reflects God's description of the instincts of birds in Job 39, contrasting animal obedience with human disobedience.

Proverbs 30:29-31

"There are three things that are graceful in their appearance, four that move gracefully: the lion, mighty among beasts, that flees nothing; the rooster with a proud gait; the goat; and the king at the head of his army." These verses echo God's description of the majesty of certain animals in Job 39, such as the horse and the lion, symbols of strength and nobility.

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. Fly on high like eagles; they run and are not weary, they walk and are not faint." This verse refers to the description of the strength and of the speed of the eagles in Job 39, serving as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual life.

May these passages remind us of God's greatness and His care for every aspect of His creation, inviting us to contemplate His wisdom through the animal kingdom and strengthening our faith in His providence.