Job 39
BSB1 “Do you know when mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn? 2 Can you count the months they are pregnant? Do you know the time they give birth? 3 They crouch down and bring forth their young; they deliver their newborn. 4 Their young ones thrive and grow up in the open field; they leave and do not return. 5 Who set the wild donkey free? Who released the swift donkey from the harness? 6 I made the wilderness his home and the salt flats his dwelling. 7 He scorns the tumult of the city and never hears the shouts of a driver. 8 He roams the mountains for pasture, searching for any green thing. 9 Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night? 10 Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he plow the valleys behind you? 11 Can you rely on his great strength? Will you leave your hard work to him? 12 Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor? 13 The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but cannot match the pinions and feathers of the stork. 14 For she leaves her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand. 15 She forgets that a foot may crush them, or a wild animal may trample them. 16 She treats her young harshly, as if not her own, with no concern that her labor was in vain. 17 For God has deprived her of wisdom; He has not endowed her with understanding. 18 Yet when she proudly spreads her wings, she laughs at the horse and its rider. 19 Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? 20 Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? 21 He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. 22 He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword. 23 A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance. 24 Trembling with excitement, he devours the distance; he cannot stand still when the ram’s horn sounds. 25 At the blast of the horn, he snorts with fervor. He catches the scent of battle from afar— the shouts of captains and the cry of war. 26 Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread his wings toward the south? 27 Does the eagle soar at your command and make his nest on high? 28 He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag. 29 From there he spies out food; his eyes see it from afar. 30 His young ones feast on blood; and where the slain are, there he is."
Study Notes — Job 39
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Job 39
- Themes from Job 39
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Job 39
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Job chapter 39, God continues to speak to Job, describing the wonders of the natural world and highlighting His power and wisdom in creation. The chapter focuses on various animals, including the wild goat, the deer, the wild ox, and the ostrich, demonstrating God's control and provision for each creature. God's questions to Job emphasize the limitations of human understanding and the majesty of God's creation, as seen in Job 39:1-4 and Job 39:13-18. The chapter concludes with a description of the warhorse, symbolizing strength and power, further emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation.
Context for the Chapter
Job chapter 39 is part of God's response to Job's complaints and questions, as seen in Job 38-41. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's greatness and sovereignty, challenging Job to consider the wonders of creation and the limitations of human understanding. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter contributes to the overall theme of God's wisdom and power, as seen in Psalm 104:1-35 and Romans 1:18-25.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Job chapter 39, we are reminded of God's wisdom, power, and sovereignty over all creation. This challenges us to cultivate humility and trust in God's goodness, recognizing that His ways are higher than our own. We are encouraged to marvel at the wonders of creation and to acknowledge God's care and provision for all creatures, including ourselves.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Job chapter 39 talks about God's power and wisdom in creating the world. It describes different animals, like the wild goat and the ostrich, to show how God takes care of everything. The chapter reminds us that God is great and we are small, and we should trust in His goodness. As seen in Job 39:1-4, God's care for creation is a reflection of His love and provision for all people.
Voices from the Church
“The natural world is a great book, written by the finger of God, and it is our duty to read it and to learn from it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The majesty of God is displayed in the smallest creatures, and the greatness of His power is seen in the mightiest.”
— John Calvin
“The creation is a mirror, in which we may see the wisdom, power, and goodness of God.”
— Martin Luther
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to God's Wisdom in Creation (Job 39:1-4) — God's questions to Job introduce the theme of His wisdom and power in creation, highlighting the birth of mountain goats and deer.
- The Wild Goat and the Deer (Job 39:1-4) — The characteristics of these animals demonstrate God's care and provision for all creatures, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation.
- The Wild Ox and the Ostrich (Job 39:5-18) — The description of these creatures serves to highlight God's power and wisdom in creation, as well as His care for the needs of every creature.
- The Warhorse (Job 39:19-25) — The warhorse symbolizes strength and power, underscoring God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to provide for the needs of every creature.
- Conclusion: God's Sovereignty over Creation (Job 39:26-30) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's wisdom and power in creation, challenging Job to consider the wonders of the natural world and the limitations of human understanding.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Job chapter 39 teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, with His power and wisdom on display in the natural world. As seen in Job 39:1-4, God's sovereignty is evident in His care and provision for all creatures.
- Wisdom of God
- The chapter highlights God's wisdom in creation, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world. This is evident in the characteristics of various creatures, such as the wild goat and the ostrich.
- Providence of God
- The description of God's care and provision for all creatures serves to underscore His providence over all creation. As seen in Job 39:5-18, God's providence is evident in His provision for the needs of every creature.
- Humility
- The chapter challenges readers to cultivate humility in the face of God's greatness, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the majesty of God's creation.
Lessons from Job 39
- God's Wisdom in Creation — The chapter teaches us to recognize God's wisdom and power in the natural world, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation.
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter challenges us to cultivate humility in the face of God's greatness, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the majesty of God's creation.
- God's Care and Provision — The description of God's care and provision for all creatures serves to underscore His providence over all creation, encouraging us to trust in His goodness.
- The Majesty of God — The chapter reminds us of God's majesty and greatness, challenging us to acknowledge His sovereignty over all creation and to worship Him with reverence and awe.
- The Limitations of Human Understanding — The chapter highlights the limitations of human understanding, encouraging us to recognize the mysteries of God's creation and to trust in His wisdom and power.
Themes from Job 39
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, highlighting His power and wisdom in the natural world.
- Wisdom and Power — The chapter highlights God's wisdom and power in creation, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world.
- Providence and Care — The description of God's care and provision for all creatures serves to underscore His providence over all creation, encouraging us to trust in His goodness.
- Humility and Reverence — The chapter challenges us to cultivate humility and reverence in the face of God's greatness, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the majesty of God's creation.
- Creation and Redemption — The chapter's focus on creation serves to underscore the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over all creation, as well as His care and provision for all creatures, including humanity.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Job chapter 39 teach us about God's wisdom and power in creation?
- How does the chapter's focus on various creatures serve to emphasize God's sovereignty over all creation?
- What does the warhorse symbolize in Job 39:19-25, and what does this reveal about God's character?
- How does the chapter challenge us to respond to God's greatness and our own limitations?
- What does Job chapter 39 teach us about the importance of recognizing God's care and provision for all creatures?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to God's Wisdom in Creation (Job 39:1-4)
| Job 39:1 | God's question to Job introduces the theme of His wisdom and power in creation, highlighting the birth of mountain goats. |
| Job 39:2 | The description of the deer serves to emphasize God's care and provision for all creatures, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation. |
2. The Wild Goat and the Deer (Job 39:1-4)
| Job 39:3 | The characteristics of these animals demonstrate God's wisdom and power in creation, highlighting His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world. |
| Job 39:4 | The description of the deer's habits serves to underscore God's care and provision for all creatures, encouraging us to trust in His goodness. |
3. The Wild Ox and the Ostrich (Job 39:5-18)
| Job 39:5 | The description of the wild ox serves to highlight God's power and wisdom in creation, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation. |
| Job 39:13 | The characteristics of the ostrich, despite its awkward appearance, testify to God's wisdom and power in creation, as seen in Job 39:13-18. |
4. The Warhorse (Job 39:19-25)
| Job 39:19 | The warhorse symbolizes strength and power, underscoring God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to provide for the needs of every creature. |
| Job 39:25 | The description of the warhorse's characteristics serves to emphasize God's wisdom and power in creation, highlighting His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world. |
5. Conclusion: God's Sovereignty over Creation (Job 39:26-30)
| Job 39:26 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's wisdom and power in creation, challenging Job to consider the wonders of the natural world and the limitations of human understanding. |
| Job 39:30 | The final verse serves to underscore God's sovereignty over all creation, encouraging us to trust in His goodness and to worship Him with reverence and awe. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Job chapter 39?
The main theme of Job chapter 39 is God's wisdom and power in creation, highlighting His sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures. As seen in Job 39:1-4, God's wisdom and power are on display in the natural world.
What does the warhorse symbolize in Job 39:19-25?
The warhorse symbolizes strength and power, underscoring God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to provide for the needs of every creature. As seen in Job 39:19-25, the warhorse's characteristics serve to emphasize God's wisdom and power in creation.
How does Job chapter 39 relate to the larger biblical narrative?
Job chapter 39 contributes to the overall theme of God's wisdom and power, as seen in Psalm 104:1-35 and Romans 1:18-25. The chapter serves to underscore God's sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures, including humanity.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 39:1 → Psalm 104:1-35 | Both passages emphasize God's wisdom and power in creation, highlighting His sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures. |
| 2 | Job 39:5 → Isaiah 55:9-11 | Both passages underscore God's power and wisdom in creation, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world. |
| 3 | Job 39:13 → Psalm 19:1-6 | Both passages highlight God's wisdom and power in creation, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures. |
| 4 | Job 39:19 → Revelation 19:11-16 | Both passages symbolize strength and power, underscoring God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to provide for the needs of every creature. |
| 5 | Job 39:26 → Romans 1:18-25 | Both passages emphasize God's wisdom and power in creation, highlighting His sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures. |
| 6 | Job 39:1 → John 1:1-14 | Both passages highlight God's wisdom and power in creation, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world and His sovereignty over all creation. |
| 7 | Job 39:5 → Genesis 1:1-31 | Both passages underscore God's power and wisdom in creation, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures. |
| 8 | Job 39:13 → Psalm 8:1-9 | Both passages highlight God's wisdom and power in creation, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world and His sovereignty over all creation. |
| 9 | Job 39:19 → Isaiah 40:25-31 | Both passages symbolize strength and power, underscoring God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to provide for the needs of every creature. |
| 10 | Job 39:26 → Hebrews 1:1-3 | Both passages emphasize God's wisdom and power in creation, highlighting His sovereignty over all creation and His care and provision for all creatures. |
Sermons on Job 39
| Sermon | Description | |
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
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Mounting With Wings by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power of waiting on the Lord, drawing from Isaiah 40:29-31, where God promises to renew the strength of those who trust in Him. He contrasts the ma |
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Suffering by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and the revelation of God's greatness in nature. He highlights various verses where God questions Job about his understandin |
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The Eagle by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the majestic eagle as a symbol to illustrate God's care and protection over His people, drawing parallels between the eagle's characteristics and God's attribu |
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The Ostrich by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon on the unique characteristics of the ostrich, highlighting its large size, inability to fly despite having large wings, and its swift running abil |
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The Ass by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook reflects on the significance of the ass in the Bible, highlighting its role as a symbol of meekness, humility, gratitude, and even the ability to speak when necessa |
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Epistle 278 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of apprentices serving faithfully according to covenant, emphasizing the need for order and discipline to prevent youth from falling into d |
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The Vulture by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the vulture as an illustration to teach about the nature of this bird of prey, its role in cleaning up decaying matter, and its keen eye for spotting food from |
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The Unicorn by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook discusses the mysterious animal mentioned in the Bible that starts with the letter U, known as the unicorn. The true identity of this creature remains uncertain, wi |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 39
In Job chapter 39, God continues to demonstrate His wisdom and power in creation, challenging Job to consider the wonders of the natural world and the limitations of human understanding. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, emphasizing His care and provision for all creatures. As Matthew Henry notes, the chapter serves to underscore God's greatness and majesty, encouraging us to cultivate humility and reverence in the face of His power and wisdom. The description of various creatures, including the wild goat, the deer, and the ostrich, demonstrates God's intimate knowledge of every aspect of the natural world and His sovereignty over all creation. As seen in Job 39:1-4, God's wisdom and power are on display in the natural world, challenging us to trust in His goodness and to worship Him with reverence and awe. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Intimate Knowledge
God's questions to Job reveal His intimate knowledge of every aspect of creation, from the birth of mountain goats to the characteristics of the ostrich. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and wisdom in all things.
Contrast between God and Humanity
The chapter highlights the contrast between God's wisdom and power and human limitations, as seen in Job 39:1-4 and Job 39:19-25. This contrast underscores the majesty of God and the importance of humility in the face of His greatness.
Emphasis on Creation
The chapter's focus on various creatures and their characteristics serves to emphasize God's power and wisdom in creation, as well as His care and provision for all creatures. This underscores the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over all creation.