Job 39:13-18

Ostrich

13 The ostrich's wings flap joyously, but her wings and plumage are like a stork.

14 She leaves her eggs on the earth, lets them warm in the dust,

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

16 She treats her young harshly as if they were not hers, without worrying that her labor might be in vain;

17 God didn't endow her with sense, didn't give her some good sense.

18 When she flaps her wings high, she laughs at horse and rider.

Job 39:13-18 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.