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 her's: 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.
Chapter 39 of the Book of Job is a continuation of God's response to Job's complaints and questions about his suffering. In this chapter, God continues to speak about his power and wisdom in the natural world, using examples from the animal kingdom to illustrate his point. The main themes of this chapter include God's sovereignty, his control over creation, and his divine wisdom. This chapter also serves as a reminder to Job and the readers of the book about the limitations of human understanding and the need for trust in God's plan.
Before diving into the summary and meaning of chapter 39, it is important to understand the context in which this chapter falls in the Book of Job. The book begins with a description of Job, a man who was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil. However, God allows Satan to test Job's faith by taking away his possessions, his children, and his health. Despite his suffering, Job remains faithful to God and does not curse him.
Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, come to comfort him but end up accusing him of sin and urging him to repent. Job, on the other hand, maintains his innocence and questions why he is suffering. In response, God speaks to Job, revealing his power and wisdom in the natural world. Chapter 38 focuses on God's questions to Job, highlighting his control over creation and his divine wisdom. Chapter 39 continues with God's response and further elaborates on his power and wisdom.
The first section of chapter 39 focuses on God's sovereignty and control over creation. God begins by asking Job a series of questions about the wild animals, such as the mountain goat, deer, wild donkey, and wild ox. He asks Job if he knows when these animals give birth, if he has seen their young, and if he has observed their behavior in the wild. These questions serve to remind Job that God is the one who provides for these animals and takes care of their needs.
The main theme of this section is God's sovereignty and control over all of creation. By asking Job these questions, God is highlighting his power and authority over even the smallest and most insignificant creatures. He is reminding Job that he is in control of all things, including the natural world. This is a powerful message for Job, who is facing great suffering and feeling like he has lost control of his life. By showing his sovereignty over creation, God is also reaffirming his sovereignty over Job's life and situation.
The second section of chapter 39 focuses on God's divine wisdom. God asks Job a series of questions about the behavior of certain animals, such as the wild donkey, the ostrich, and the horse. He asks Job if he has given the wild donkey its strength, if he has taught the ostrich to be swift and graceful, and if he has given the horse its power and courage. These questions serve to highlight God's wisdom in creating these animals with unique characteristics and abilities.
God's questions also serve to remind Job that human wisdom is limited and cannot compare to God's wisdom. Job had been questioning God's wisdom in allowing him to suffer, but God is showing him that his understanding is limited and he cannot comprehend the bigger picture. By using examples from the animal kingdom, God is reminding Job and the readers of the book that there is a greater purpose and plan at work, even if it is beyond human understanding.
The final section of chapter 39 focuses on the limitations of human understanding. God asks Job a series of questions about the behavior of certain birds, such as the eagle, the hawk, and the vulture. He asks Job if he knows when these birds build their nests, if he has observed their hunting techniques, and if he knows where they go in the winter. These questions serve to highlight the fact that human understanding is limited and there are many things that we do not know or understand.
God is reminding Job that he cannot fully comprehend the mysteries of the natural world and the ways of God. This is a humbling reminder for Job, who had been questioning and challenging God's wisdom. It is also a humbling reminder for the readers of the book, who may also struggle with understanding God's ways and purposes. By acknowledging the limitations of human understanding, God is calling for trust and faith in his plan, even when it may be difficult to understand.
Chapter 39 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, wisdom, and control over all of creation. It also serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for trust and faith in God's plan, even when it may be difficult to understand. God's questions to Job in this chapter serve to humble him and remind him of his place in the grand scheme of things. They also serve as a reminder to the readers of the book that God is in control and has a greater purpose at work, even in the midst of suffering and trials.
Chapter 39 also serves as a call to trust in God's wisdom and plan, even when it may seem like our own understanding is limited. This is a message that is relevant to all of us, as we often struggle to make sense of the world and our own lives. It is a reminder that we are not meant to have all the answers, but rather to trust in God's perfect wisdom and plan.
In summary, chapter 39 of the Book of Job is a continuation of God's response to Job's questions and complaints about his suffering. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, wisdom, and control over all of creation. It also highlights the limitations of human understanding and the need for trust and faith in God's plan. Ultimately, this chapter serves to humble Job and the readers of the book, reminding us of our place in the grand scheme of things and calling us to trust in God's perfect wisdom and plan.
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