Job 39:22

Job 39:22 (KJV) describes the awe-inspiring courage and disdain for danger exhibited by the warhorse, a magnificent creature crafted by God. This verse is part of a larger discourse where the Lord challenges Job, presenting examples from the animal kingdom to illustrate His boundless wisdom, power, and sovereign control over all creation.

Context

In Job chapters 38-41, God responds to Job's questioning and lament by revealing His infinite power and wisdom through a series of rhetorical questions about creation. He highlights various natural phenomena and creatures, including the wild ass, the unicorn, the ostrich, and here, the warhorse. The description of the warhorse (Job 39:19-25) emphasizes its strength, speed, and especially its extraordinary courage in battle, serving as a powerful testament to the Creator's design and might. This particular verse, Job 39:22, focuses on the horse's utter fearlessness in the face of conflict, demonstrating a natural bravery that is a direct endowment from God.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Power: The remarkable attributes of the warhorse, such as its fearlessness and might, are presented as direct evidences of God's creative power and His absolute control over the natural world. It underscores that God is the source of all strength and courage, even in the animal kingdom.
• Unparalleled Courage: The verse vividly portrays an animal that "mocketh at fear" and is "not affrighted" by the most terrifying elements of war, including the "sword." This highlights an instinctual, profound bravery that seems almost supernatural, especially when compared to human fear.
• The Majesty of Creation: God uses His creation to humble Job and demonstrate His wisdom. The warhorse, with its noble spirit and indifference to danger, is a prime example of the diverse and magnificent ways God displays His glory throughout the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mocketh" is saḥaq (שָׂחַק), which can mean to laugh, mock, or even play. In this context, it conveys a profound disdain or indifference to fear, as if fear is something to be trifled with or dismissed. The phrase "is not affrighted" uses the Hebrew ba'al (בָּעַל), meaning to be terrified or dismayed, further emphasizing the horse's complete lack of terror. This powerful imagery reinforces the idea of an animal utterly devoid of fear in the face of imminent danger, a trait directly attributed to God's design.

Reflection and Application

While the warhorse is not a moral agent, its divinely endowed fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds serves as a powerful metaphor. For believers, this passage can inspire a deeper understanding of God's incredible power and His ability to equip even the most ordinary creatures with extraordinary traits. It reminds us that the same God who instills such courage in a horse is also able to grant a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind to His people, enabling them to face their own challenges without being "affrighted." Just as the horse does not turn back from the sword, we are called to stand firm in faith, trusting in the One who is sovereign over all circumstances, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.