Job 39:1-9

God Speaks of Nature and Its Beings

1 "Do you know the time the ¹mountain * goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the ²deer?

2 "Can you count the months they fulfill, Or do you know the time they give birth?

3 "They kneel down, they bring forth their young, They get rid of their labor pains.

4 "Their offspring become strong, they grow up in the open field; They leave and do not return to them.

5 "Who sent out the ³wild donkey free? And who loosed the bonds of the swift donkey,

6 To whom I gave ⁴the 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 ⁵wild ox consent to serve you, Or will he spend the night at your manger?

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.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 14:5; 1 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 104:18
• 2. Psalms 29:9
• 3. Job 6:5; Job 11:12; Job 24:5; Psalms 104:11
• 4. Job 24:5; Jeremiah 2:24; Hosea 8:9
• 5. Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalms 22:21; Psalms 29:6; Psalms 92:10; Isaiah 34:7

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "goats of the rock"