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Commentary on Job 39 verses 13–18
The ostrich is a wonderful animal, a very large bird, but it never flies. Some have called it a winged camel. God here gives an account of it, and observes,
I. Something that it has in common with the peacock, that is, beautiful feathers (Job 39:13): Gavest thou proud wings unto the peacocks? so some read it. Fine feathers make proud birds. The peacock is an emblem of pride; when he struts, and shows his fine feathers, Solomon in all his glory is not arrayed like him. The ostrich too has goodly feathers, and yet is a foolish bird; for wisdom does not always go along with beauty and gaiety. Other birds do not envy the peacock or the ostrich their gaudy colours, nor complain for want of them; why then should we repine if we see others wear better clothes than we can afford to wear? God gives his gifts variously, and those gifts are not always the most valuable that make the finest show. Who would not rather have the voice of the nightingale than the tail of the peacock, the eye of the eagle and her soaring wing, and the natural affection of the stork, than the beautiful wings and feathers of the ostrich, which can never rise above the earth, and is without natural affection?
II. Something that is peculiar to itself,
1.Carelessness of her young. It is well that this is peculiar to herself, for it is a very bad character. Observe, (1.) How she exposes her eggs; she does not retire to some private place, and make a nest there, as the sparrows and swallows do (Psa 84:3), and there lay eggs and hatch her young. Most birds, as well as other animals, are strangely guided by natural instinct in providing for the preservation of their young. But the ostrich is a monster in nature, for she drops her eggs any where upon the ground and takes no care to hatch them. If the sand and the sun will hatch them, well and good; they may for her, for she will not warm them, Job 39:14. Nay, she takes no care to preserve them: The foot of the traveller may crush them, and the wild beast break them, Job 39:15. But how then are any young ones brought forth, and whence is it that the species has not perished? We must suppose either that God, by a special providence, with the heat of the sun and the sand (so some think), hatches the neglected eggs of the ostrich, as he feeds the neglected young ones of the raven, or that, though the ostrich often leaves her eggs thus, yet not always. (2.) The reason why she does thus expose her eggs. It is, [1.] For want of natural affection (Job 39:16): She is hardened against her young ones. To be hardened against any is unamiable, even in a brute-creature, much more in a rational creature that boasts of humanity, especially to be hardened against young ones, that cannot help themselves and therefore merit compassion, that give no provocation and therefore merit no hard usage: but it is worst of all for her to be hardened against her own young ones, as though they were not hers, whereas really they are parts of herself. Her labour in laying her eggs is in vain and all lost, because she has not that fear and tender concern for them that she should have. Those are most likely to lose their labour that are least in fear of losing it. [2.] For want of wisdom (Job 39:17): God has deprived her of wisdom. This intimates that the art which other animals have to nourish and preserve their young is God's gift, and that, where it exists not, God denies it, that by the folly of the ostrich, as well as by the wisdom of the ant, we may learn to be wise; for, First, As careless as the ostrich is of her eggs so careless many people are of their own souls; they make no provision for them, no proper nest in which they may be safe, leave them exposed to Satan and his temptations, which is a certain evidence that they are deprived of wisdom. Secondly, So careless are many parents of their children; some of their bodies, not providing for their own house, their own bowels, and therefore worse than infidels, and as bad as the ostrich; but many more are thus careless of their children's souls, take no care of their education, send them abroad into the world untaught, unarmed, forgetting what corruption there is in the world through lust, which will certainly crush them. Thus their labour in rearing them comes to be in vain; it were better for their country that they had never been born. Thirdly, So careless are too many ministers of their people, with whom they should reside; but they leave them in the earth, and forget how busy Satan is to sow tares while men sleep. They overlook those whom they should oversee, and are really hardened against them.
2.Care of herself. She leaves her eggs in danger, but, if she herself be in danger, no creature shall strive more to get out of the way of it than the ostrich, Job 39:18. Then she lifts up her wings on high (the strength of which then stands her in better stead than their beauty), and, with the help of them, runs so fast that a horseman at full speed cannot overtake her: She scorneth the horse and his rider. Those that are least under the law of natural affection often contend most for the law of self-preservation. Let not the rider be proud of the swiftness of his horse when such an animal as the ostrich shall out-run him.
The sort of wings described here appears to signify the synagogue of those who led Christ to the cross. Indeed, who is that mother who generated many children but whose children are not hers? It can only be the one who gave birth to the prophets and brought up the apostles, who are not hers though. Indeed both prophets and apostles, after being adopted into the church, abandoned it.
38. The foot crushes, and the beast of the field breaks, the eggs at the time, when they are forsaken on the earth; because, namely, while the hearts of men seek to be ever thinking on earthly things, ever to be employed on things below, they throw themselves down for the beast of the field, that is, the devil, to trample on: so that, after they have been long degraded by the basest thoughts, they are at length crushed by the perpetration of even greater crimes. The synagogue, therefore, neglected to raise up from the earth by good living the eggs which it laid. But, though Almighty God found many of its children dead and chilled by earthly desires, yet he animated them with the warmth of His love. But that life, which the synagogue gave not its children, it grudged them afterwards, when it was striving to extinguish by persecution, those whom it remembered not to have by cherishing brought forth to good works.
For he whom the grace of charity does not fall upon looks upon his neighbor as a stranger, even though he has himself begotten him to God. Doubtless all are hypocrites whose minds in truth, while ever aiming at outward objects, become insensible within. While they are ever seeking their own, in everything they do they are not softened by any compassion of charity for the feelings of the neighbor.… But hypocrites do not know these gut level feelings of charity. Because the more their mind is let loose on outward subjects by worldly concupiscence, the more it is hardened inside by its lack of affection. And it is frozen by a benumbing torpor within, because it is softened by fatal love outside. It is unable to reflect upon itself, because it does not strive to think of itself. A mind cannot think on itself which is not entirely at home in itself. It is unable to be entirely at home in itself, because by as many lusts as it is hurried away, by as many objects as it is distracted from itself and scattered, it lies below, though with collected strength it may rise, if it willed, to the greatest heights.…“God has deprived it of its wisdom, nor has he given it understanding.” Although to deprive is one thing and “not to give” is another, yet his first expression, “deprived,” he repeated by subjoining “has not given.” As if he were saying, My expression “deprived” means not that he has unjustly taken away wisdom but that he has justly not given it. Hence the Lord is described as having hardened the heart of Pharaoh, not because he himself inflicted hardness or, in accord with the demands of his deserts, because he softened it by a sensibility of heavenly infused fear. But now, because the hypocrite pretends that he is holy and conceals himself under the semblance of good works, he keeps down peace of the holy church and is therefore, before our eyes, arrayed with the appearance of religion. But if any temptation of his faith springs up, the rabid mind of the wolf strips itself of its garb of sheep’s skin and shows by persecution how greatly it rages against the holy.
16. What is understood by ‘foot,’ but the passing over of active work? What is signified by the ‘field,’ but this world? Of which the Lord says in the Gospel, But the field is the world. [Matt. 13, 38] What is expressed by the ‘beast,’ but the ancient enemy, who, lying in wait for the spoils of this world, is daily satiated with the death of men? Of which it is said by the Prophet, the Lord promising; No evil beast shall pass through it. [Is. 35, 9] The ostrich, therefore, deserting her eggs, forgets that the foot may crush them; because, namely, hypocrites abandon those whom they beget as their children in conversation [al. ‘in conversion.’], and care not at all, lest the examples of evil in doings should lead them astray, when deprived of either the earnestness of exhortation, or of the care of discipline. For see next did they love the eggs, which they produce, they would doubtless be afraid, lest any one should crush them by pointing out evil doings. This foot Paul was fearing for his weak disciples, as for eggs which he had laid, when he said, Many walk, of whom I told you often, but now I tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ. [Phil. 3, 18] And again, Beware of dogs; beware of evil workers. [ib. 2] And again, We command you, brethren, in the name of our ‘Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us. [2 Thess. 3, 6] This foot John was dreading for Caius; for when he had mentioned before many wickednesses of Diotrephes, he added, Dearly beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. [3 John 11] This the leader of the Synagogue himself was fearing for his feeble flock, saying, When thou hast entered the land, which the Lord thy God shall give thee, take heed that thou wish not to imitate the abominations of those nations. [Deut. 18, 9] She forgets also, that the beast of the field may break them, because the hypocrite doubtless cares not at all, if the devil raging in this world carries off his children who are brought forth in good conversation. But this beast of the field Paul was fearing for the eggs, which he had laid, saying, I fear, lest, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your senses should be corrupted from the love that is in Christ Jesus. [2 Cor. 11, 3] This beast of the field Peter was fearing for his disciples, saying, Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion goeth about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, stedfast in the faith. [l Pet. 5, 8. 9.] Faithful teachers therefore have over their disciples the bowels of fear, from the virtue of charity. But hypocrites fear the less for those committed to them, the more they discover not what they ought to fear for themselves. And because they live with hardened hearts, they acknowledge not even the sons whom they beget, with any affection of the love which is due to them.
In every step of the fall, the beginning is represented by the lighter faults that later, with the increase of guilt, become more and more serious. Here the evilness of this hypocrite is analyzed through his progressive iniquities. First, he presents himself as a righteous person, which he is not at all. Then, he scorns the righteous. Finally, he even insults the Creator. Indeed, the soul never stays in the place where it fell, because, after falling voluntarily, the weight of its evilness leads it to worse and worse actions. And so, by precipitating [the fall], it is submerged more and more deeply. Let the hypocrite then go now and seek for his own praises. Later he will oppress the life of his neighbor, and one day he will even scorn his own Creator. The more he devises arrogant attitudes, the more he sinks into atrocious punishments as a result.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 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 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 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). 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). The extreme vulnerability of the ostrich's eggs, seemingly abandoned to destruction, powerfully foreshadows the voluntary vulnerability of the Son of God, 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). 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).