The Pulpit Commentary on Job 39:1-30

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

This chapter completes the survey of animate nature begun at Job 38:39. The habits and instincts of the wild goat, the wild ass, and wild cattle are first noticed (Job 38:1-12); then a transition is made to the most remarkable of birds, the ostrich (Job 38:13-18).

Next, the horse is described, and, as it were, depicted, in a passage of extraordinary fire and brilliancy (Job 38:19-25). Finally, a return is made to remarkable birds, and the habits of the hawk and eagle obtain mention (Job 38:26-30).

Throughout, the object is to show the infinite wisdom of God, and the utter incompetence of man to explain the mysteries of nature.

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