Job 39:4

Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.

Their young ones ^{H1121} are in good liking ^{H2492}, they grow up ^{H7235} with corn ^{H1250}; they go forth ^{H3318}, and return ^{H7725} not unto them.

Their young become strong, growing up in the open; they leave and never return.

Their young ones thrive and grow up in the open field; they leave and do not return.

Their young ones become strong, they grow up in the open field; They go forth, and return not again.

Job 39:4 is part of God's profound discourse to Job from the whirlwind (chapters 38-41), where the Almighty challenges Job's understanding by illustrating His boundless wisdom and power through the natural world. This specific verse describes the young of the wild ass, a creature whose untamed nature and independence are highlighted in the preceding and subsequent verses (Job 39:1-8).

Context

In this powerful section of the book of Job, God systematically brings forth examples from creation to demonstrate His sovereignty and intricate knowledge, far surpassing human comprehension. After addressing the foundations of the earth and the marvels of the heavens, God turns His attention to the animal kingdom. Job 39 focuses on various wild animals, beginning with the wild goats and hinds, and then transitioning to the wild ass (or onager). Verse 4 describes the vigor and self-sufficiency of these animals' offspring, setting the stage for God's rhetorical questions about who provides for and controls such creatures.

Key Themes and Messages

Divine Providence and Care: The verse implicitly points to God's hand in sustaining all life, even the wild animals that roam free. Their "good liking" and ability to "grow up with corn" (natural sustenance) are a testament to His continuous provision for creation, a theme echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Psalm 104:27-28.
Natural Independence and Self-Sufficiency: The phrase "they go forth, and return not unto them" emphasizes the inherent design for these young animals to quickly become independent of their parents. This highlights the complete, self-sustaining nature of God's creation, requiring no human intervention to thrive.
God's Unfathomable Wisdom: By showcasing the unique characteristics and life cycles of wild creatures, God impresses upon Job (and us) the depth of His wisdom. He knows and cares for every detail of His creation, from the mightiest beast to the smallest offspring, underscoring His ultimate authority and knowledge beyond human grasp.

Linguistic Insights

"In good liking": This archaic KJV phrase means they are in good condition, healthy, strong, and well-nourished. It conveys a sense of robust vitality.
"Corn": In this context, "corn" refers generally to grain or fodder, not specifically to maize (which is a New World crop). It signifies the natural vegetation and sustenance found in their wild habitat.

Related Scriptures

This verse, like much of Job 38-41, serves to humble humanity before the Creator. The theme of God's care for His creation is also found in Matthew 6:26, where Jesus encourages trust in God's provision by pointing to the birds of the air. The ultimate response to God's majestic display of power and wisdom is seen in Job's repentance and renewed understanding in Job 42.

Practical Application

Job 39:4 invites us to marvel at the divine design and care evident throughout creation. It reminds us that God's providence extends to all living things, even those seemingly insignificant or beyond human control. For believers, this offers great encouragement: if God so meticulously provides for the wild ass's young, ensuring their health and independence in the wild, how much more will He care for His children? It fosters a deeper trust in God's sovereign hand over every aspect of life and encourages an appreciation for the intricate beauty and self-sufficiency of the natural world as a testament to His glory.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.