God the Provider

Job 39 continues God’s discourse. The Lord continues to ask Job question after question, revealing how little Job understands about the world around him. Although the compassionate point of these questions is only seen in the next chapter, what God says here is still very meaningful.

One of the key messages in this speech is that God is the great Creator. He watches over his creatures when they’re in their hiding places (vs 1-4). But more than that, God is the one who endowed them with their unique strengths and abilities in the first place.

God declares that he is the one who determined that wild donkeys would be free (vs 5-8). He is the one who gave great strength to the wild ox, and even though this power could be profitable to humans, they cannot harness it (vs 9-12). Not every animal in nature can be easily domesticated and used by human beings.

The Lord continues to point out examples from his creation. He did not make the ostrich wise, but he did make it fast and impressive. God also made the horse, an animal with tremendous strength and endurance. Yet this animal, unlike the wild donkey and wild ox, is harnessed by humans and used for their purposes (vs 19-25).

Turning to a universal symbol of power and freedom, God points to the mighty birds like hawks and eagles that soar and glide effortlessly through the air (vs 26-30). As impressive as these birds are, they only fly by the wisdom of God. He is the one who made them what they are.

When you look at the wonders of the natural world, you are confronted with the glory and power of God. Our wisdom is inadequate to comprehend creation: God’s wisdom was enough to design and create it!

Respond in Prayer

Creator God, we praise you for your wisdom in creating this world. Everywhere we look, we see a wonderful diversity of life. Give us eyes to see the traces of your glory in the world around us. Help us love and care for your creation, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Steve West

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).