Job 39:15

KJV

And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And forgetteth {H7911} that the foot {H7272} may crush {H2115} them, or that the wild {H7704} beast {H2416} may break {H1758} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

forgetting that a foot may crush them or a wild animal trample on them.

Berean Standard Bible

She forgets that a foot may crush them, or a wild animal may trample them.

American Standard Version

And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, Or that the wild beast may trample them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 39:15 is a pivotal verse within God's awe-inspiring discourse to Job from the whirlwind, where the Creator profoundly illustrates His unfathomable wisdom and sovereign dominion over all creation. In describing the ostrich, God draws attention to its seemingly paradoxical behavior of laying its eggs in the open ground, appearing to "forget" or disregard the inherent dangers of them being crushed by a passing foot or shattered by a wild beast. This detail is not a divine critique of the ostrich, but rather a profound illustration of God's unique, diverse, and often counter-intuitive designs within the natural world, serving to challenge human perceptions of wisdom and order, and ultimately to humble Job before the incomprehensible depths of divine knowledge and providential care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within God's climactic and extended monologue to Job, which begins in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") and culminates in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Description of Leviathan"). After Job and his friends have exhausted their theological arguments concerning the nature of suffering and divine justice, God intervenes, not by explaining Job's specific suffering, but by overwhelming him with a majestic display of His cosmic power and intricate knowledge of creation. God's rhetorical questions are designed to expose the limitations of human understanding, moving from the grand celestial phenomena ([Job 38:4-38](/job/38-4 "Job 38:4-38 - God's Questions about Creation")) to the complex instincts of various wild animals ([Job 38:39-39:30](/job/38-39 "Job 38:39-39:30 - God's Questions about Wild Animals")). The detailed description of the ostrich in [Job 39:13-18](/job/39-13 "Job 39:13-18 - The Ostrich") serves as a prime example of God's unique and often counter-intuitive designs, meticulously setting the stage for Job's ultimate confession of ignorance and submission to divine wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region generally believed to be east of Palestine, possibly encompassing parts of northern Arabia or Edom, areas historically known for their wisdom traditions. Ostriches (Hebrew: רְנָנִים, _renanim_ or יַעֲנָה, _ya'anah_) were indigenous to the arid and semi-arid desert regions of the ancient Near East, including Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula. Their distinctive nesting habits—laying large eggs in shallow depressions in the sand, often leaving them seemingly unattended during the heat of the day—were observed and considered peculiar by ancient peoples. While modern ornithology provides scientific explanations for these behaviors (e.g., camouflage, heat regulation through solar incubation, parental rotation), the ancient perception, as clearly reflected in Job, was one of apparent neglect or a lack of natural wisdom, particularly when contrasted with other birds that meticulously guard their nests. This cultural observation forms the very basis for God's rhetorical point about His unique and sovereign design in creation.
* **Key Themes:** The description of the ostrich, particularly in [Job 39:15](/job/39-15 "Job 39:15 - The Ostrich's Vulnerable Eggs"), powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Divine Wisdom and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control and intricate knowledge over every facet of creation, even those aspects that appear "foolish" or contradictory to human logic. This resonates with the declaration in [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation"): "O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all." Secondly, it highlights **The Mystery of Creation and God's Ways**, illustrating that God's designs frequently transcend human comprehension. What appears as neglect in the ostrich is, in fact, part of a divinely instilled instinct, perfectly suited for its specific environment, even if it defies typical animal behavior. This apparent "deprivation of wisdom" ([Job 39:17](/job/39-17 "Job 39:17 - God Deprives the Ostrich of Wisdom")) is itself an intentional component of God's perfect, unsearchable plan. Finally, the passage profoundly emphasizes **Human Limitation**, serving as a potent reminder to Job—and to all readers—of the vast chasm between finite human understanding and infinite divine knowledge. Job, who presumed to question God's justice, is shown that he cannot even grasp the design of a single creature, compelling him toward profound humility and repentance, as powerfully evidenced in [Job 42:3](/job/42-3 "Job 42:3 - Job's Confession of Ignorance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forgetteth (Hebrew, _shâkach'_ H7911):** This verb, from the root שָׁכֵחַ, means "to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." In the context of Job 39:15, it does not imply a cognitive lapse or literal amnesia on the ostrich's part, but rather describes a behavioral characteristic that, from a human perspective, appears to be a profound lack of concern or protective instinct for its offspring. It signifies an intentional or instinctual disregard for the vulnerability of its eggs, which stands in stark contrast to the diligent parental care typically observed in other bird species. God uses this human perception to highlight the unique, divinely ordained nature of the ostrich's behavior, which remarkably sets it apart from conventional animal wisdom.
* **Crush (Hebrew, _zûwr'_ H2115):** From the primitive root זוּר, this word means "to press together, tighten." While the KJV translates it as "crush," the underlying sense conveys a forceful compression leading to destruction. In this context, it refers to the destructive action of a foot, implying the breaking or trampling of the eggs, leading to their complete obliteration. The imagery vividly communicates the extreme fragility of the ostrich's eggs when left exposed to the elements or the careless movement of large animals, emphasizing the vulnerability that the ostrich's unique behavior entails.
* **Break (Hebrew, _dûwsh'_ H1758):** From the primitive root דּוּשׁ, this word means "to trample or thresh." It describes a violent, destructive action, akin to "tearing" or "treading out." Coupled with "crush," it paints a vivid picture of complete destruction, signifying the shattering of the eggshell and the obliteration of its contents. This term underscores the extreme vulnerability of the ostrich's eggs and chicks when left unattended in the open desert, exposed to predators or accidental damage, further amplifying the apparent paradox of its divinely instilled instincts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forgetteth that the foot may crush them":** This clause describes the ostrich's apparent lack of concern or protective instinct for its eggs, which are laid directly on the ground in a shallow nest. The "foot" refers to any large animal, human, or even a herd that might inadvertently step on the eggs, given their exposed and vulnerable position. The verb "forgetteth" (as analyzed above) signifies an instinctive behavior that, to human observers, appears as a profound absence of the typical parental protective instinct. This highlights the unique, almost counter-intuitive, design God has instilled in the ostrich, distinguishing it from the careful nesting habits of most other creatures.
* **"or that the wild beast may break them":** This second clause further elaborates on the manifold dangers faced by the ostrich's vulnerable offspring. "Wild beast" (חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה, _ḥayyat haśśāḏeh_, literally "beast of the field") refers to predators common in the desert environment, such as jackals, hyenas, or other carnivores, which would readily prey upon unattended eggs or newly hatched chicks. The verb "break" emphasizes the destructive capability of these animals, signifying the shattering of the eggs. Together, these two clauses powerfully underscore the immense vulnerability of the ostrich's progeny, drawing attention to a behavior that seems utterly devoid of maternal care, yet is presented as an integral part of God's mysterious and sovereign design.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message about divine wisdom and human perception. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently evident in the description of the ostrich "forgetting" (נָשָׁה, _nashah_), attributing a human cognitive process (forgetting, neglecting, or being oblivious) to an animal's instinctual behavior. This serves to frame the ostrich's actions from a human perspective of apparent foolishness or lack of care, making God's subsequent point about His unique design even more impactful. **Contrast** is a central device, as the ostrich's seemingly careless behavior is implicitly contrasted with the meticulous nesting habits of other birds, which God describes elsewhere as having been endowed with wisdom. This stark contrast highlights the immense diversity and often paradoxical nature of God's creative work, demonstrating that His wisdom is not confined to human expectations of "normal" or "wise" behavior. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of a "foot" crushing and a "wild beast" breaking the eggs creates a powerful sense of **vulnerability** and **pathos**, underscoring the extreme danger the ostrich's offspring face due to its unique, divinely ordained instincts. This poignant imagery serves to amplify the mystery of God's design, which operates far beyond the confines of human logic and understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 39:15, by presenting the ostrich's peculiar and seemingly illogical behavior, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine wisdom and the limitations of human perception. It fundamentally challenges the anthropocentric view that all creation must conform to human logic or expectations of "good" or "wise" behavior. God's design extends infinitely beyond what humans can fully comprehend, demonstrating that His wisdom is not constrained by our understanding of instinct, care, or efficiency. The ostrich's apparent neglect is not a flaw in creation, but rather a divinely ordained characteristic that showcases the Creator's boundless creativity and His sovereign right to fashion creatures with unique attributes, even those that appear paradoxical or counter-intuitive to us. This passage invites us to humble ourselves before the vastness of God's knowledge and to trust implicitly that even in what appears strange, illogical, or even "foolish" from our finite vantage point, there is an overarching divine purpose and an unsearchable wisdom at work. It reminds us that our limited minds cannot fully grasp the infinite intricacies of God's creative and providential plan.

* [Psalm 147:9](/psalms/147-9 "Psalm 147:9 - God Feeds the Young Ravens")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depths of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 39:15 offers a powerful and enduring invitation to cultivate profound humility and unwavering trust in the face of life's myriad mysteries. Just as God's unparalleled wisdom is strikingly evident in the seemingly counter-intuitive design of the ostrich, so too are His ways often beyond our full comprehension in the intricate tapestry of our own lives. When we encounter circumstances that appear illogical, unfair, or simply beyond our grasp—whether in personal suffering, global events, or the perplexing complexities of God's providence—this verse serves as a poignant reminder that our perspective is inherently limited. We are called to recognize that God's plan is infinitely grander, more intricate, and more perfectly orchestrated than anything our finite minds can conceive. The profound application here is not to despair in our ignorance, but rather to find deep peace and security in the knowledge that a sovereign, infinitely wise, and supremely good God is orchestrating all things, even those "peculiar" or "unwise" elements from our limited vantage point. It encourages us to release our innate human need to understand everything and instead to rest in the unwavering wisdom of the Creator, to marvel at the breathtaking diversity and complexity of His creation, and to trust implicitly in His providential care, even when His methods seem strange or inscrutable to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ostrich's behavior challenge your preconceived assumptions about divine wisdom and the natural order of creation?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently struggle to trust God's wisdom because His ways seem counter-intuitive, illogical, or even unfair to you?**
* **What profound lessons does this passage impart to you regarding the inherent limits of human understanding when attempting to evaluate God's creation and His sovereign providence?**
* **How can reflecting on God's unique design of the ostrich encourage you to embrace a deeper sense of humility and foster a more unwavering faith in His perfect and sovereign plan?**

### FAQ
**Why does God describe the ostrich as "forgetting" its eggs if it's part of His design?**

Answer: The description of the ostrich "forgetting" its eggs in [Job 39:15](/job/39-15 "Job 39:15 - The Ostrich's Vulnerable Eggs") reflects a human perception or observation rather than a literal cognitive lapse on the ostrich's part. From an ancient observer's viewpoint, the ostrich's behavior of laying eggs directly in the sand and often leaving them exposed seemed to lack the protective instinct common in other birds, thus appearing as "forgetfulness" or neglect. God uses this human observation to highlight the profound uniqueness of His design. He explicitly states in [Job 39:17](/job/39-17 "Job 39:17 - God Deprives the Ostrich of Wisdom") that He "deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding." This is not presented as a flaw, but as a deliberate, sovereign choice by God to create a creature whose instincts defy typical animal behavior, thereby demonstrating the vast and diverse scope of His creative wisdom, which operates far beyond human expectations and logic. It serves to humble Job by showing him that even a seemingly "foolish" creature is perfectly designed and sustained by God for its specific role and environment.

**Does this passage imply God creates "flawed" animals?**

Answer: No, the passage does not imply that God creates "flawed" animals in any sense that would suggest imperfection or error on His part. Instead, it powerfully underscores the boundless and diverse nature of God's wisdom in creation. The ostrich's behavior, while appearing "foolish" or "neglectful" from a human perspective, is presented as a divinely ordained characteristic. God's design is not limited to what humans deem "wise" or "perfect" according to their own finite standards. The ostrich thrives in its harsh desert environment precisely because of its unique adaptations, including its specific nesting habits, which are perfectly suited for its survival. The overarching point is that God's wisdom is so vast and multifaceted that it encompasses designs that challenge human understanding, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and the incomprehensibility of His ways. Every creature, including the ostrich, perfectly fulfills its divinely appointed role and purpose, showcasing the Creator's infinite variety and profound wisdom, as [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation") beautifully proclaims, "O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 39:15 primarily reveals God's incomprehensible wisdom in the intricate diversity of creation, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it points to the ultimate demonstration of divine wisdom and apparent "foolishness" found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the ostrich's behavior seemed illogical and vulnerable yet was an integral part of God's perfect design, so too did the crucifixion of Christ appear as utter folly to the world—a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified: A Stumbling Block and Foolishness")). Yet, as the Apostle Paul declares, "the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men")). The extreme vulnerability of the ostrich's eggs, seemingly abandoned to destruction, powerfully foreshadows the voluntary vulnerability of the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who willingly laid down His life, appearing utterly exposed and "crushed" by the weight of sin and death on the cross. Yet, in this ultimate act of self-sacrifice, God's profound wisdom, boundless love, and perfect justice were perfectly revealed, securing eternal salvation for all humanity. The ostrich's unique design, which defies human logic and conventional wisdom, thus prepares us to embrace a Savior whose path to glory was paradoxically through the cross—a path that defies human wisdom but is, in fact, the very power and wisdom of God for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Ultimately, the God who orchestrates the peculiar instincts of an ostrich is the very same God who, in His infinite and unsearchable wisdom, orchestrated the redemption of the world through the seemingly "foolish" act of a crucified Messiah, demonstrating unequivocally that His thoughts and ways are indeed infinitely higher than our own ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.