Job 39:1-9

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, They cast out their pains.

4 Their young ones become strong, they grow up in the open field; They go forth, and return not again.

5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? Or who hath loosed the bonds of the swift ass,

6 Whose home I have made the wilderness, And the salt land his dwelling-place?

7 He scorneth the tumult of the city, Neither heareth he the shoutings of the driver.

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

9 Will the wild-ox be content to serve thee? Or will he abide by thy crib?

Job 39:1-9 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.