23. quiver—for the arrows, which they contain, and which are directed "against him." glittering spear—literally, "glittering of the spear," like "lightning of the spear" (Habakkuk 3:11). shield—rather, "lance." read more
The First Speech of the Almighty (concluded)Chs. Job 38:39-41 and Job 38:39 depict the wonders of animate creation, and the instincts with which animals are gifted by the providence of God. In view of His works Job must learn to trust Him and to believe in His goodness.1-4. The wild goat or ibex.1. Knowest thou?] i.e. do you control?3. Their sorrows] their young, whose birth causes pain. 4. With corn] rather, ’in the desert.’5-8. The wild ass, which is still found in the deserts of N. Arabia... read more
Job 39:1 If the baffled inquirer drops out the search after God, as many do, and says I will go down to nature and it shall, at least, be my comfort that nature is intelligible, and even a subject of definite science, he shortly discovers that science only changes the place of mystery and leaves it unresolved.... Asking what is matter, what is life, animal and vegetable, what is heat, light, attraction, affinity, he discovers that, as yet, we really comprehend nothing, and that nature is a... read more
XXVIII.THE RECONCILIATIONJob 38:1 - Job 42:6THE main argument of the address ascribed to the Almighty is contained in chapters 38 and 39 and in the opening verses of chapter 42. Job makes submission and owns his fault in doubting the faithfulness of Divine providence. The intervening passage containing descriptions of the great animals of the Nile is scarcely in the same high strain of poetic art or on the same high level of cogent reasoning. It seems rather of a hyperbolical kind, suggesting... read more
CHAPTERS 38:39--39:30 1. The beasts of prey (Job 38:39-41 ) 2. The wild goats, the ass, the unicorn and the ostrich (Job 39:1-18 ) 3. The horse, the hawk and the eagle (Job 39:19-30 ) Job 38:39-41 . God’s own wisdom and power in nature, as witnessed to by Himself, is followed by His witness as to the sustenance of His creatures, how mercifully He provides for their need. This section begins with the query, “Knowest thou?” Could he hunt the prey of the lion, or fill the ravenous appetite... read more
THE WILD GOATS AND THE DEER (vv.1-4) The Lord now turns Job's attention to animals not in the least aggressive, the wild goats and the deer. Indeed, rather than aggressive, they are elusive. Did Job understand all about them? - when they bear their young, how many months of gestation, etc. How much Job knew at the time we do not know, but even though there is more general knowledge of these things now, how many people know by practical experience with the animals themselves all about such... read more
WORDS OF ELIHU ; WORDS OF GOD Elihu now comes forward with apparent modesty, and yet great pretensions. Young and inexperienced, he is nevertheless indignant at the manner in which the friends of Job have sought to reply to him. Professing that his views have been revealed from above, he undertakes to clear up all the difficulties in the case. Afflictions are for the good of the sufferer is his dictum, a thought which he exhibits in various lights. He, too, reflects upon Job for his... read more
The Theophany Job 38-41 We have now come to the portion of the Book of Job which is known as the Theophany, or Appearance, that is to say, the appearance of the Divine Being. Let us set forth the sacred speech in its fulness and unity: 1. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind [a voice without a form], and said, 2. Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3. Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4. Where wast thou when... read more
(19) ¶ Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? (20) Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. (21) He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. (22) He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. (23) The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. (24) He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 39:19-25
Job 39:19-25. Hast thou given the horse strength, &c.— It is difficult to express violent motions, which are fleeting and transitory, either in colours or words. In poetry, it requires great spirit in thought, and energy in style, of which we find more in the eastern poetry than in either the Greek or Roman. The great Creator, who accommodated himself to those to whom he vouchsafed to speak, has put into the mouths of his prophets such sublime sentiments and exalted language as must abash... read more