◄ Job 39:22 ►
He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword.
Study Bible
He laughs at fear
This phrase suggests a creature or being that is fearless and confident. In the context of Job 39, God is speaking to Job about the wonders of creation, highlighting the strength and majesty of various animals. The creature in question is likely the warhorse, known for its bravery in battle. This imagery is used to demonstrate God's power and wisdom in creation, as He has instilled such fearlessness in His creatures. The warhorse's ability to "laugh at fear" can be seen as a reflection of divine strength and courage, qualities that are also attributed to God Himself throughout Scripture (e.g., Psalm 27:1).

frightened of nothing
This phrase emphasizes the complete absence of fear in the creature. In the ancient Near Eastern context, horses were highly valued for their role in warfare and were bred for their strength and courage. The warhorse's lack of fear is a testament to its training and the natural instincts given by God. This can be compared to the spiritual courage believers are called to have, trusting in God's protection and provision (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:7).

he does not turn back from the sword
This phrase highlights the warhorse's readiness to face danger head-on, even in the midst of battle. Historically, horses were an integral part of military strategy, and their ability to charge into battle without hesitation was crucial. This imagery can be connected to the spiritual armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are encouraged to stand firm and not retreat in the face of spiritual warfare. The warhorse's unwavering advance can also be seen as a type of Christ, who faced His own "battle" on the cross with determination and without turning back (Luke 9:51).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, Job is the central figure in the Book of Job. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, which test his faith and understanding of God's justice.

2. God
The Creator and Sustainer of all things, God is the one speaking in this passage, highlighting His sovereignty and the majesty of His creation.

3. The Warhorse
In this context, the warhorse is a symbol of strength and fearlessness, used by God to illustrate His power and the natural order He has established.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The description of the warhorse's fearlessness serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over creation. Just as the horse does not fear the sword, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty over our lives.

Courage in the Face of Fear
The warhorse's laughter at fear can inspire believers to face their own fears with courage, knowing that God equips us with strength and boldness.

Trust Beyond Human Strength
While the warhorse is a symbol of strength, believers are reminded that true security and victory come from trusting in God, not in human or earthly power.

Understanding God's Wisdom
This passage encourages us to reflect on the wisdom and order of God's creation, prompting us to seek understanding and trust in His divine plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the warhorse in Job 39:22 challenge our understanding of fear and courage in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty, as seen in the warhorse's fearlessness, to our current life situations?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 33:17 and Proverbs 21:31, reinforce the message of trusting in God rather than in human strength?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, especially when facing challenges?

5. How can the example of the warhorse inspire us to live boldly for God, even when confronted with spiritual or physical battles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 33:17
This verse also speaks of the horse as a symbol of strength, yet it reminds us that true deliverance comes from the Lord, not from physical might.

Proverbs 21:31
This verse emphasizes that while preparation is important, ultimate victory is from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that God is in control over all circumstances.

Isaiah 31:1
This passage warns against relying on horses and chariots for deliverance, pointing instead to trust in God, which aligns with the theme of divine sovereignty in Job 39:22.
Sermons
The Creatures not Dependent Upon ManR. Green Job 39:1-30
The War-HorseW.F. Adeney Job 39:19-25
Horses in BattleT. De Witt Talmage.Job 39:19-30
The Higher Teaching of NatureJohn Fry, B. A.Job 39:19-30
The HorseT. De Witt Talmage.Job 39:19-30
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Affrighted, Afraid, Arms, Dismayed, Face, Fear, Goes, Laugheth, Laughs, Mocketh, Mocks, Nothing, Shy, Strength, Sword, Turn, Turneth, Turning, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 39:1-30

     1305   God, activity of

Job 39:19-25

     4657   horse

Library
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?
Objection 1: It would seem that the religious life of those who live in community is more perfect than that of those who lead a solitary life. For it is written (Eccles. 4:9): "It is better . . . that two should be together, than one; for they have the advantage of their society." Therefore the religious life of those who live in community would seem to be more perfect. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Mat. 18:20): "Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there am I in the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Mode and Order of the Temptation were Becoming?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode and order of the temptation were unbecoming. For the devil tempts in order to induce us to sin. But if Christ had assuaged His bodily hunger by changing the stones into bread, He would not have sinned; just as neither did He sin when He multiplied the loaves, which was no less a miracle, in order to succor the hungry crowd. Therefore it seems that this was nowise a temptation. Objection 2: Further, a counselor is inconsistent if he persuades the contrary to …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that contention is not a mortal sin. For there is no mortal sin in spiritual men: and yet contention is to be found in them, according to Lk. 22:24: "And there was also a strife amongst" the disciples of Jesus, "which of them should . . . be the greatest." Therefore contention is not a mortal sin. Objection 2: Further, no well disposed man should be pleased that his neighbor commit a mortal sin. But the Apostle says (Phil. 1:17): "Some out of contention preach Christ," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Animals
The birds are the saints, because they fly to the higher heart; in the gospel: and he made great branches that the birds of the air might live in their shade. [Mark 4:32] Flying is the death of the saints in God or the knowledge of the Scriptures; in the psalm: I shall fly and I shall be at rest. [Ps. 54(55):7 Vulgate] The wings are the two testaments; in Ezekiel: your body will fly with two wings of its own. [Ez. 1:23] The feathers are the Scriptures; in the psalm: the wings of the silver dove. …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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