Job 39:5-15

5 "Who sent out the 1wild donkey free? And who loosed the bonds of the swift donkey,
6 To whom I gave 2the wilderness for a home And the salt land for his dwelling place?
7 "He scorns the tumult of the city, The shoutings of the driver he does not hear.
8 "He explores the mountains for his pasture And searches after every green thing.
9 "Will the 3wild ox consent to serve you, Or will he spend the night at your manger?
10 "Can you bind the wild ox in a furrow with ropes, Or will he harrow the valleys after you?
11 "Will you trust him because his strength is great And leave your labor to him?
12 "Will you have faith in him that he will return your grain And gather it from your threshing floor?
13 "The ostriches' wings flap joyously With the pinion and plumage of love,
14 For she abandons her eggs to the earth And warms them in the dust,
15 And she forgets that a foot may crush them, Or that a wild beast may trample them.

Job 39:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 39

This chapter treats of various creatures, beasts and birds, which Job had little knowledge of, had no concern in the making of them, and scarcely any power over them; as of the goats and hinds, Job 39:1-4; of the wild ass, Job 39:5-8; of the unicorn, Job 39:9-12; of the peacock and ostrich, Job 39:13-18; of the horse, Job 39:19-25; and of the hawk and eagle, Job 39:26-30.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Job 6:5; Job 11:12; Job 24:5; Psalms 104:11
  • 2. Job 24:5; Jeremiah 2:24; Hosea 8:9
  • 3. Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalms 22:21; Psalms 29:6; Psalms 92:10; Isaiah 34:7

Footnotes 5

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.