Job 39:6-16

6 I gave it the desert to live in and the salt flats as its dwelling place.

7 It laughs at the noise of the city and doesn't [even] listen to the shouting of its master.

8 It explores the mountains for its pasture and looks for anything green.

9 "Will the wild ox agree to serve you, or will it stay at night beside your feeding trough?

10 Can you guide a wild ox in a furrow, or will it plow the valleys behind you?

11 Can you trust it just because it's so strong or leave your labor to it?

12 Can you rely on it to bring your grain back and take it to your threshing floor?

13 "Does the ostrich flap its wings in joy, or do its wings lack feathers?

14 It lays its eggs on the ground and warms them in the dust.

15 It forgets that a foot may crush them or a wild animal may trample them.

16 It acts harshly toward its young as if they weren't its own. It is not afraid that its work is for nothing

Job 39:6-16 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.