Job 39:10

Commentary on Job 39:10 (KJV)

Job 39:10 is part of God's profound speech to Job, delivered from the whirlwind (chapters 38-41). In this majestic discourse, God challenges Job's understanding and wisdom by highlighting His own limitless power and intricate knowledge over all creation, especially the wild and untamable aspects of nature. This particular verse focuses on humanity's inability to harness the powerful wild "unicorn" for agricultural labor, contrasting it with God's absolute control over all living things.

Context

Following Job's complaints and challenges to God's justice, the Lord responds not with an explanation of Job's suffering, but with a series of rhetorical questions designed to humble Job and expand his perspective. God details His creation and sustenance of the natural world, from the stars to the weather, and then to various wild animals. The purpose is to demonstrate that if Job cannot comprehend or control even a fraction of the physical world, how can he presume to understand or question the divine administration of justice and the universe? The questions about the "unicorn" (or wild ox) serve to emphasize humanity's limited dominion even over the creatures of the earth, let alone the grander workings of God's providence.

Linguistic Insights

• "Unicorn" (Hebrew: re'em): The KJV translation of "unicorn" here does not refer to the mythical one-horned horse, but rather to a powerful, wild bovine animal, most likely the aurochs (Bos primigenius), an extinct species of large, wild cattle. The re'em was renowned for its immense strength, ferocity, and untamable nature. The imagery evokes a creature impossible for humans to domesticate and compel to perform tasks like plowing or harrowing. This choice of animal vividly illustrates the gap between human capability and divine power.
• "Band": Refers to a harness or yoke, the equipment used to bind an animal for agricultural work like plowing.
• "Furrow" and "harrow the valleys": These terms describe typical farming activities. Plowing creates furrows, and harrowing breaks up the soil for planting. The questions underscore the absurdity of expecting such a wild, powerful beast to submit to mundane farm labor, highlighting human weakness in contrast to the Creator's might.

Key Themes

• God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power: The verse powerfully asserts God's unparalleled control over all creation. While humans might tame some animals, there are others that remain wild and free, subject only to their Creator's will. This highlights that God's power extends far beyond human comprehension or manipulation.
• Human Limitation and Humility: God's challenge reminds Job, and us, of our finite understanding and limited power. We cannot domesticate every creature, nor can we fully grasp the complexities of God's design or His ways. This fosters a sense of humility and dependence on the Almighty.
• Divine Wisdom in Creation: God created creatures for purposes beyond human utility. The existence of untamable beasts testifies to a divine wisdom that transcends our needs and desires, reminding us that not everything in creation is for our immediate benefit or control. This aligns with themes seen in other passages that celebrate God's marvelous works throughout the natural world.

Practical Application

Job 39:10 encourages profound awe and reverence for God. It serves as a powerful reminder that our understanding and control are limited, especially when compared to the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator. When we face circumstances we cannot control or understand, this verse calls us to humility and trust in God's overarching plan. Just as He manages the untamable beasts of the wild, so too does He hold all our circumstances in His sovereign hand. It invites us to release our need for control and instead find peace in His omnipotence, echoing the broader message of Job's eventual submission and renewed perspective.