For she leaves her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand. For she leaves her eggs on the groundThe ostrich lays her eggs in a shallow nest upon the earth, exposed in a way that appears careless beside the guarded nests of other birds. God’s description does not deny the bird’s unusual habits but displays His wisdom in ordering creatures according to purposes beyond human expectation. Even the ostrich, which seems deficient in ordinary parental instinct, remains under the Creator’s care and fulfills its appointed place in the world. Jer 17:11 Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay… and lets them warm in the sand. The heat of the ground contributes to the development of the eggs in the dry regions where ostriches live. The deserts and wildernesses that seem barren to man are nevertheless sustained by God’s providence. Job is being reminded that the Lord governs life in settings and by means that human wisdom cannot fully explain, calling His servants to humble trust in His wise care. Isa 34:15 There the owl will make her nest; she will lay… Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job is a dialogue about the nature of suffering and God's sovereignty. 2. God The speaker in this passage, who is responding to Job. God is highlighting His wisdom and the mysteries of creation that are beyond human understanding. 3. Ostrich The bird referenced in this verse, known for its unique behavior of laying eggs on the ground, which serves as an example of God's diverse creation. 4. The Ground/Sand The place where the ostrich lays her eggs, symbolizing the natural order and instinctive behaviors instilled by God. 5. Creation The broader context of this passage, where God is describing various aspects of His creation to demonstrate His wisdom and power. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in CreationThis verse highlights God's control and wisdom in the natural world. Even the seemingly foolish actions of the ostrich are part of His divine plan. Human Limitations We are reminded of our limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom. Like Job, we must trust in God's greater plan, even when we don't understand it. Trust in God's Provision Just as God provides for the ostrich, He will provide for us. We can rest in the assurance that God knows our needs and cares for us. The Mystery of God's Ways God's ways are often beyond our comprehension. This calls us to humility and faith, recognizing that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Learning from Nature Observing God's creation can teach us about His character and attributes. The natural world is a testament to His creativity and care. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the behavior of the ostrich, as described in Job 39:14, reflect God's wisdom in creation?2. In what ways does this passage challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways? 3. How can observing nature, as God describes in Job 39, deepen our understanding of His character and attributes? 4. What are some areas in your life where you need to rely more on God's provision, as illustrated by His care for the ostrich? 5. How do other scriptures, such as Genesis 1 and Psalm 104, reinforce the themes of God's wisdom and sovereignty found in Job 39:14? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1The creation account, where God establishes the natural order and instills instincts in all creatures, including the ostrich. Psalm 104 A psalm that praises God for His wisdom in creation, echoing the themes of God's sovereignty and the marvels of the natural world. Matthew 6:26 Jesus speaks about the birds of the air, emphasizing God's provision and care for all His creatures, which relates to the idea of God's wisdom in creation.
People JobPlaces UzTopics Abandons, Dust, Eggs, Ground, Leaves, Leaveth, Lets, Puts, Sand, Warm, Warmed, Warmeth, Warming, WarmsDictionary of Bible Themes Job 39:1-30Library Whether Daring is a Sin?Objection 1: It seems that daring is not a sin. For it is written (Job 39:21) concerning the horse, by which according to Gregory (Moral. xxxi) the godly preacher is denoted, that "he goeth forth boldly to meet armed men [*Vulg.: 'he pranceth boldly, he goeth forth to meet armed men']." But no vice redounds to a man's praise. Therefore it is not a sin to be daring. Objection 2: Further, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. vi, 9), "one should take counsel in thought, and do quickly what has been … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Religious Life of those who Live in Community is More Perfect than that of those who Lead a Solitary Life? Whether the Mode and Order of the Temptation were Becoming? Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin? On the Animals Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Job Links Job 39:14 NIVJob 39:14 NLT Job 39:14 ESV Job 39:14 NASB Job 39:14 KJV Job 39:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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