Job 39:21

KJV

He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in [his] strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.

KJV (with Strong's)

He paweth {H2658} in the valley {H6010}, and rejoiceth {H7797} in his strength {H3581}: he goeth on {H3318} to meet {H7125} the armed men {H5402}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It paws with force and exults with vigor, then charges into the battle;

Berean Standard Bible

He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle.

American Standard Version

He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: He goeth out to meet the armed men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 39:21 powerfully portrays the warhorse as a magnificent testament to God's creative power and sovereign design. Within God's discourse to Job, this verse highlights the horse's untamed vitality, its restless energy as it paws the ground, and its inherent delight in its formidable strength. It culminates in a vivid image of the horse's fearless readiness to charge directly into the most perilous of battles, confronting armed men without hesitation, thereby showcasing a creature perfectly endowed by its Creator for its specific, awe-inspiring purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 39:21 is situated within God's climactic speeches to Job, spanning [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Description of Leviathan"). These chapters do not offer an explanation for Job's suffering but rather serve as a profound display of God's incomparable wisdom, power, and sovereignty over all creation. God challenges Job's limited understanding by parading before him a series of untamable, awe-inspiring creatures—from the wild ass and the ostrich to the mighty warhorse and the terrifying Leviathan. The description of the warhorse begins in [Job 39:19](/job/39-19 "Job 39:19 - God gives the horse strength") and extends through [Job 39:25](/job/39-25 "Job 39:25 - The horse's eagerness for battle"), emphasizing its strength, courage, and eagerness for battle, all divinely endowed qualities. This specific verse, [Job 39:21](/job/39-21 "Job 39:21 - The Warhorse's Readiness"), focuses on its restless anticipation and fearless charge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the horse, particularly the warhorse, was a symbol of immense power, military might, and national pride. Its acquisition and maintenance were costly, and its deployment in battle often determined the outcome of conflicts. Cultures like the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Hittites heavily relied on chariots pulled by warhorses. The biblical text often contrasts reliance on horses and chariots with trust in the Lord (e.g., [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, not chariots")). God's detailed description of the warhorse to Job underscores that even this creature, revered for its strength and courage, is entirely a product of divine design and endowment. Its inherent power and fearlessness are not self-generated but are gifts from the Creator, highlighting God's absolute control over all aspects of the natural world, even those most formidable to humans.
* **Key Themes:** The description of the warhorse in [Job 39](/job/39 "Job 39 - God's Description of Wild Animals") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Power and Design**, showcasing God's intricate and meticulous craftsmanship in creating creatures perfectly suited for their purpose, imbuing them with specific attributes like strength and courage. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty over Creation**, demonstrating that even the most untamable and formidable beasts operate according to His will and design, serving as a reminder of human limitations in understanding or controlling the natural world. Thirdly, the warhorse embodies **Strength and Fearlessness**, portraying a creature that delights in its power and eagerly confronts danger, serving as a metaphor for a divinely instilled readiness for conflict. This theme implicitly challenges Job's perspective, urging him to recognize the vastness of God's dominion and wisdom, which far surpasses human comprehension or questioning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Paweth (Hebrew, _châphar'_):** The Hebrew word חָפַר (_châphar_) literally means "to dig," "to search," or "to delve." In this context, it vividly portrays the horse's restless, impatient scraping or pawing of the ground with its hoof. This action is a clear sign of intense energy, anticipation, and a fervent desire to move, to engage, and to release its pent-up power, indicating its eagerness for battle.
* **Rejoiceth (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** The term שָׂמַח (_sâmach_) means "to be glad," "to rejoice," or "to be joyful." Applied to the warhorse, it signifies an innate, unbridled delight and confidence in its own mighty capabilities. This is not arrogance but a natural expression of its divinely endowed power, a creature perfectly aligned with its purpose and finding pleasure in its inherent strength.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** The Hebrew word כֹּחַ (_kôach_) refers to "power," "might," "ability," or "vigor." Here, it highlights the formidable, robust physical and mental fortitude of the warhorse. The verse emphasizes that this strength is not merely physical but also includes an indomitable spirit and courage, all of which are ultimately gifts from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He paweth in the valley":** This phrase immediately sets a scene of restless energy and anticipation. The "valley" (or "plain") is often a place where battles are fought or where horses are trained and exercised, providing ample space for movement. The "pawing" action vividly depicts the horse's impatience and eagerness, its hooves scraping the ground as if it cannot wait to be unleashed into action. It's a visual cue of its boundless vitality and readiness.
* **"and rejoiceth in [his] strength":** This clause reveals the internal disposition of the warhorse. It finds intrinsic pleasure and confidence in its own formidable power. This joy is not a human emotion but an animalistic expression of its natural, divinely endowed capabilities. It underscores that the horse is perfectly designed for its role, taking delight in the very attributes that make it a magnificent instrument of war.
* **"he goeth on to meet the armed men":** This climactic statement highlights the warhorse's ultimate purpose and unparalleled courage. Unlike other creatures that might flee danger, the warhorse, by its very nature, charges directly into the fray. "Armed men" represent the most formidable and dangerous adversaries, yet the horse confronts them without hesitation, demonstrating a fearless, almost suicidal, determination that is central to its divinely instilled character.

#### Literary Devices
The description of the warhorse in Job 39:21 is rich with literary devices that enhance its impact and theological message. **Personification** is prominently used, attributing human emotions and intentions to the horse; it "rejoiceth" in its strength and "goeth on to meet" armed men, lending a sense of conscious will and delight to its actions. This technique makes the animal's power and courage more relatable and awe-inspiring to the human audience. **Vivid Imagery** is employed through phrases like "paweth in the valley" and "armed men," creating a powerful mental picture of the horse's restless energy and its direct confrontation with danger. This sensory detail immerses the listener in the scene. Furthermore, the passage employs **Hyperbole** (or exaggeration) to emphasize the warhorse's extreme fearlessness and power, underscoring that such a creature could only be the product of an infinitely powerful and wise Creator. The very choice of the warhorse, a creature of immense human admiration and fear, serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's untamable sovereignty and His ability to imbue creation with astonishing attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 39:21, as part of God's discourse, profoundly illustrates the vastness of divine power and wisdom, which far transcends human comprehension or control. The warhorse, a creature of immense strength and courage, serves as a vivid example of God's meticulous design and sovereign endowment within creation. Its untamed spirit and eagerness for battle are not random but are intrinsic qualities given by the Creator, demonstrating that even the most formidable aspects of the natural world are under His absolute dominion. This passage challenges Job (and us) to acknowledge God's unparalleled majesty, reminding us that if He can imbue such power and purpose into a mere animal, His capacity to govern the universe and address human suffering is beyond question. It shifts the focus from Job's perceived injustice to God's incomprehensible greatness, fostering awe, humility, and trust in His ultimate plan.

* [Psalm 147:10](/psalms/147-10 "Psalm 147:10 - God's delight not in horse's strength")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The horse prepared for battle")
* [Psalm 33:17](/psalms/33-17 "Psalm 33:17 - A horse is a vain hope for deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The warhorse of Job 39:21 stands as a powerful metaphor for the strength, courage, and readiness that God can instill in His creation, including us. Just as the horse is divinely endowed with the capacity to "rejoice in his strength" and "goeth on to meet the armed men," so too are believers equipped by God for the challenges and spiritual battles they face. This verse calls us to reflect on the source of our own strength and courage. Do we rely on our own limited abilities, or do we acknowledge that true power comes from the Creator who designed the warhorse? Facing our own "armed men"—whether they be trials, temptations, fears, or adversaries—requires a spirit of unwavering courage and a readiness to engage, not in our own might, but in the strength that God provides. It encourages us to find a holy confidence in God's equipping, knowing that the One who meticulously designed such a creature also cares for and empowers His children for their unique purposes in life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on the warhorse's divinely given strength and fearlessness impact your understanding of God's power in your own life?**
* **What are the "armed men" you are currently facing, and how can you approach them with a spirit of readiness and confidence rooted in God's provision?**
* **In what ways can you "rejoice in your strength" (or God's strength in you) without falling into pride, but rather acknowledging its divine source?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when you don't understand the reasons for your circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Is the warhorse in Job 39:21 a symbol for believers?**

Answer: While the warhorse is not a direct symbol for believers in the same way that Christ is the Lamb of God, its attributes certainly offer powerful lessons for those who follow God. The warhorse's divinely endowed strength, courage, and readiness to face formidable opposition can inspire believers to approach their spiritual battles and life challenges with a similar spirit. Just as the horse's power comes from God, so too does the believer's strength for endurance, perseverance, and overcoming come from the Lord. [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ") famously declares, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," echoing the idea of a divinely supplied capacity for purpose.

**Why does God describe animals to Job in such detail?**

Answer: God describes various magnificent and untamable animals, including the warhorse, to Job not to explain Job's suffering, but to demonstrate His own incomparable power, wisdom, and sovereignty over all creation. By showcasing creatures like the warhorse, which are beyond human control and understanding, God highlights the vast chasm between His infinite knowledge and Job's finite perspective. The detailed descriptions serve to humble Job, reminding him that if he cannot comprehend or control the wild beasts, how much less can he grasp the intricacies of divine justice or question the Creator of the universe. It is an invitation for Job to trust in God's unfathomable wisdom, even when His ways are mysterious. This is part of God's broader argument in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job").

**What is the significance of the warhorse "pawing in the valley"?**

Answer: The phrase "paweth in the valley" is rich with meaning. Firstly, the "pawing" action vividly portrays the warhorse's restless energy, impatience, and intense anticipation. It's a physical manifestation of its eagerness for action, like a coiled spring ready to release its power. Secondly, the "valley" often refers to a plain or open ground, which is typically where battles were fought or where horses would be exercised. This setting underscores the horse's natural environment for its purpose. The combined imagery paints a picture of a creature brimming with vitality, perfectly poised and desiring to fulfill its divinely appointed role in the midst of potential conflict, underscoring its inherent readiness and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The awe-inspiring depiction of the warhorse in Job 39:21, with its divinely endowed strength, courage, and readiness for battle, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the warhorse displays a creaturely power given by God, Christ embodies the very power and wisdom of God Himself ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ is Creator and Sustainer")). The warhorse "rejoiceth in his strength" and "goeth on to meet the armed men," but Christ, as the ultimate warrior, faced the "armed men" of sin, death, and the devil, not with physical might but with perfect obedience, sacrificial love, and divine authority ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus destroys the power of death")). He willingly went to the cross, confronting the ultimate adversary, and through His resurrection, achieved a decisive victory that no warhorse could ever accomplish ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory over death")). Furthermore, the imagery of the warhorse's readiness foreshadows Christ's triumphant return, not as a suffering servant, but as the conquering King, the Rider on the white horse, leading the armies of heaven to final victory over all evil ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ, the Rider on the White Horse")). In Christ, the raw power and purpose of creation are perfectly revealed and redeemed, offering believers true strength and courage for every battle of life ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength through Christ")).

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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 8:6

I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.

Psalms 19:5

Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

1 Samuel 17:42

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

1 Samuel 17:10

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.