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Scripture reading – Job 38; Job 39
Elihu, the fourth, youngest, and last of Job’s friends to contend with him, urged him to consider God’s majesty as Creator. He proclaimed the nature and sovereignty of the LORD was revealed in thunderstorms (Job 37:1-5), snow and ice (37:6-10), and the winds, clouds, and rain (37:11-18). He challenged Job, “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (37:14), and disputed his audacity to question God’s providence in his life (37:15-22). Having waxed eloquent in his comments concerning the sovereignty and nature of God as Creator, Elihu fell silent.
When Elihu finished speaking, the LORD suddenly appeared, and His voice was heard “out of the whirlwind [great storm]” (38:1). He questioned Job, saying, “Who is this that darkeneth [obscures] counsel by words without knowledge [discernment]?” (38:2) In other words, “Job, dare you question my providences in your life? Stand up, speak up, and justify your right to question Me! (38:3)
A Divine Inquisition: Job Had No Grounds to Contend with God (Job 38:4-41)
Notice a series of questions fills the balance of Job 38. As you will see, the implication was that Job had no right to question or argue with God. The LORD proposed questions meant to convince Job he was ignorant of God’s ways, and therefore had no right to query Him.
Then, the LORD asked Job, where were you when I created the earth? “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (38:4-5). Do you know upon what the “foundations” of the earth are set? (38:6) Where were you when I set the boundaries of the sea? (38:8-11) Where were you when I created light, and divided the day and the night? (38:12)
Indeed, Job knew nothing of the depths, or the darkness of the sea (38:16). He did not know from where light originated, nor how far it had traveled (38:19-21). He could not explain the origin of snow or hail (38:22-23). He did not understand the currents of the wind (Job 38:24), or the clouds that carry water according to their courses (Job 38:25).
Because the Book of Job is believed to be the oldest book of the Scriptures, we should be amazed at the knowledge and insights recorded in this chapter regarding the stars and constellations. Four constellations of stars are mentioned (38:31-32), and Job was asked: “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?” In effect, Job, can you command the course of the stars? (38:33) Can you command the rain to fall (38:34), or control the lightnings? (38:35) Job, can you feed the lions, or provide food for the ravens? (38:36-41).
Of course, all the questions put to Job were intended to give him a proper perspective of God as Creator, and himself.
Job 39 – Mortal Man Cannot Understand the Course of Nature or the Providences of God Apart from His Revelation.
The LORD began a series of questions to Job in chapter 39, as He paralleled proposals concerning His sovereign care of the animals of His creation.
Goats and Deer (39:1-4)
The LORD first probed an area unknown to Job, inquiring, “Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth [give birth]? Or canst thou mark when the hinds [deer] do calve [give birth]?” (39:1) The implication was, though Job was ignorant of those matters, God knows the exact moment wild goats give birth, and deer go into labor (39:1). He knows when the months of their gestation are fulfilled (39:2), and when their offspring are old enough to “go forth, and return not” unto their parents (39:4).
Donkeys and Unicorns (39:5-12)
The LORD asked Job, “Who hath sent out the wild ass [donkey] free? Or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?” (39:5) Imagine this: God takes care of wild donkeys, providing them a home in the wilderness, and pasture in the mountains (39:6-8).
Job was then asked regarding the unicorn (39:9-12). Down through the centuries, there has been much debate on the identity of the unicorn. While I can assure you it was not the mythical creature of man’s imagination, it was nevertheless a beast known to men of Job’s day. Rather than a one-horned beast, there are scholars who identify the unicorn as a two-horned animal, perhaps a wild ox or an antelope. Some suggest the unicorn was a rhinoceros, others the one-horned oryx. Regardless, they were wild beasts, that could not be tamed, nor serve as domesticated beasts of burden.
Peacocks and Ostrich (39:13-17)
The LORD then questioned Job, had he given the peacock or ostrich beautiful feathers (39:13). The description of the ostrich was notable, for that bird was accurately described as ignorant, and one that buries her eggs in the earth (39:14). The ostrich is said to bury her eggs, only to forget where she buried them. Thus, she “forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them” (39:15). Then, God declared He “deprived her [the ostrich] of wisdom, neither hath He imparted to her understanding” (39:17).
Horse, Hawk, and Eagle (39:19-30)
The horse, known for its beauty and courage, was proposed to Job, and the LORD asked, “19Hast thou given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?” (39:19-25) Concluding His line of questioning, the Lord offered an additional request for Job to consider, asking, “Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, And stretch her wings toward the south? 27Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, And make her nest on high?” (39:26-27) No doubt, Job had to stop and consider the vast diversity between himself (man) and his Creator (God).
Closing thoughts – What was the summation and purpose of the LORD interrogating Job?
Among many answers that could be given, one was the LORD wanted to demonstrate that man has no right to complain when he feels he has been treated unfairly, or strive against God. The LORD is God, and is sovereign of not only His creation, but He is man’s absolute authority. Therefore, man has no right to question the ways of God, for His ways are past finding out.
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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