King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The [rider's] quiver rattles over it, [his] gleaming spear and javelin.
Berean Standard Bible:
A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance.
American Standard Version:
The quiver rattleth against him, The flashing spear and the javelin.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The quiver{H827} rattleth{H7439} against him, the glittering{H3851} spear{H2595} and the shield{H3591}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Job 41:26
- The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.
Job 41:29
- Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 39:23
Job 39:23 is part of a larger poetic discourse in the Book of Job, which is found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This book is traditionally ascribed to Moses but its authorship is actually unknown, and it is thought to have been written between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE. The Book of Job deals with the age-old question of why suffering exists in the world, particularly why good people suffer.
In the context of Job 39, God is directly addressing Job out of a whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of the created order and His sovereignty over it. The verses leading up to 39:23 describe various wild animals and God's providence in caring for them, emphasizing that their existence and behaviors are beyond human control or comprehension.
Job 39:23 specifically uses the metaphor of a warrior's tools—the quiver, glittering spear, and shield—to illustrate the readiness and boldness of the war horse rushing into battle. The verse suggests that even though the horse is prepared for war, it is not because of human might or armor that it is fearless, but rather due to its inherent strength and courage instilled by its Creator. This imagery serves to humble Job and the reader, highlighting that the natural world functions according to divine design, independent of human wisdom or power.
The historical context of this verse reflects ancient Near Eastern military practices, where chariots and cavalry were formidable components of an army. The "quiver rattleth" suggests the readiness for battle, with arrows at hand, while the "glittering spear and the shield" symbolize the weapons and protection of a warrior. The verse metaphorically implies that the horse is unafraid and unflinching in the face of danger, much like a well-prepared soldier.
In summary, Job 39:23 is part of a divine speech that underscores the majesty and mystery of creation and God's control over it. The verse uses the powerful image of a war horse ready for battle to illustrate that the splendor and might of the natural world are a testament to God's wisdom and greatness, which are beyond human ability to fully grasp or replicate.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H827
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַשְׁפָּה
Transliteration: ʼashpâh
Pronunciation: ash-paw'
Description: perhaps (feminine) from the same as אַשָּׁף (in the sense of covering); a quiver or arrow-case; quiver. - Strong's Number: H7439
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָנָה
Transliteration: rânâh
Pronunciation: raw-naw'
Description: a primitive root; to whiz; rattle. - Strong's Number: H3851
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לַהַב
Transliteration: lahab
Pronunciation: lah'-hab
Description: from an usused root meaning to gleam; a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of aweapon; blade, bright, flame, glittering. - Strong's Number: H2595
There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֲנִית
Transliteration: chănîyth
Pronunciation: khan-eeth'
Description: lemma חֲניִת second vowel, corrected to חֲנִית; from חָנָה; a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent); javelin, spear. - Strong's Number: H3591
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כִּידוֹן
Transliteration: kîydôwn
Pronunciation: kee-dohn'
Description: from the same as כִּיד; (perhaps smaller than חֲנִיתlemma חֲניִת second vowel, corrected to חֲנִית); properly, something to strike with, i.e. a dart; lance, shield, spear, target.