Job 39:5

KJV

Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who hath sent out {H7971} the wild ass {H6501} free {H2670}? or who hath loosed {H6605} the bands {H4147} of the wild ass {H6171}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Who lets the wild donkey roam freely? Who sets the wild donkey loose from its shackles?

Berean Standard Bible

Who set the wild donkey free? Who released the swift donkey from the harness?

American Standard Version

Who hath sent out the wild ass free? Or who hath loosed the bonds of the swift ass,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 39:5 is a pivotal verse within God's majestic discourse from the whirlwind, serving to profoundly challenge Job's limited understanding and control over creation. Through a series of rhetorical questions concerning the untamed nature of the wild ass, the verse powerfully underscores God's unique and unchallenged authority as the sole liberator and sustainer of even the most independent creatures. It functions to humble Job by contrasting humanity's inability to domesticate such a creature with God's absolute sovereignty, thereby revealing the Creator's boundless power, infinite wisdom, and deliberate design over all aspects of the natural world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 39:5 is situated within the second major speech of God to Job, which begins in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job"). Following Job's persistent pleas for an audience and an explanation for his immense suffering, God finally responds, not with a direct answer to Job's "why," but with a profound reorientation of Job's perspective toward the Creator's infinite wisdom and omnipotent control. Chapters 38-41 constitute a grand divine interrogation, where God systematically parades the wonders of creation before Job, moving from cosmic phenomena like the stars and oceans to specific wild animals. This particular section, [Job 39](/job/39 "Job 39 - God Continues His Discourse on Creation"), continues this pattern, focusing on creatures such as the mountain goat, the wild ass, the wild ox, the ostrich, the horse, the hawk, and the eagle. All these creatures demonstrate attributes that defy human dominion or comprehension. The rhetorical questions posed about the wild ass serve to establish God's unique relationship with and control over creatures that inherently resist human taming, setting a crucial precedent for the more formidable creatures, Behemoth and Leviathan, introduced later in the discourse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the domestication of animals was not merely a convenience but a fundamental pillar of human survival and societal development, crucial for agriculture, transportation, and labor. However, the "wild ass" (Hebrew: _pere'_, also _ʻârôwd_) was distinct from its domesticated counterpart. It was renowned as an untamable, swift, and solitary creature of the wilderness, celebrated for its fierce independence and resistance to human subjugation. Unlike the common donkey, the _pere'_ could not be harnessed, ridden, or controlled by human will. This cultural understanding of the wild ass as inherently free and beyond human mastery makes God's rhetorical questions in Job 39:5 particularly potent. The nomadic and pastoral societies of the time would have immediately recognized the futility of attempting to "send out" or "loose the bands" of such a creature, precisely because it was never under human restraint to begin with. God's questions therefore highlight His unique power over that which humanity cannot master, emphasizing a divine sovereignty that profoundly transcends human efforts and limitations, especially in a world where human control over nature was a constant and often challenging endeavor.
* **Key Themes:** Job 39:5 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Unmatched Power**. God's ability to grant and sustain the inherent freedom of the wild ass, a creature that resists all human attempts at control, demonstrates His absolute authority over all creation, from the grandest celestial bodies to the most elusive desert dwellers. This resonates deeply with God's comprehensive control affirmed in [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God as Creator of Light and Darkness"), where He declares His role as the one who "forms light and creates darkness," underscoring His all-encompassing dominion. Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Limitation and Humility**. By pointing to creatures that are utterly beyond Job's (or humanity's) capacity to control, God subtly yet powerfully reminds Job of his finite nature and limited wisdom. Our strength and understanding pale in comparison to the Creator's, fostering a necessary posture of humility, a theme powerfully echoed in [Proverbs 3:5-7](/proverbs/3-5-7 "Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Lastly, the verse celebrates **The Freedom and Wildness of Creation**. God delights in the untamed aspects of His creation, those elements that resist human domestication and exist purely under His providential care. The wild ass symbolizes this inherent freedom and the incredible diversity God has woven into the very fabric of the natural world, showcasing His creative joy and the boundless breadth of His dominion, as beautifully articulated in the psalmist's praise for God's works throughout [Psalm 104](/psalm/104 "Psalm 104 - A Psalm of Praise for God's Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wild Ass (Hebrew, _pere'_):** This term (H6501, פֶּרֶא) specifically denotes the wild, untamed donkey, distinct from the domesticated ass (_chamor_). The _pere'_ was renowned for its swiftness, solitary nature, and fierce independence, thriving in the wilderness and resisting any attempt at human subjugation. By focusing on this creature, God emphasizes that His dominion extends even to that which is inherently free and beyond human control, showcasing a sovereignty that is not limited by human capacity or will.
* **Free (Hebrew, _chophshîy'_):** This adjective (H2670, חָפְשִׁי) means "exempt" or "at liberty," implying a state of release from bondage, tax, or care. In the context of the wild ass, it highlights that its freedom is not merely an absence of human capture, but a divinely ordained and sustained state of liberty. It underscores that the creature's untamed nature is by God's design, not human oversight.
* **Bands (Hebrew, _môwçêr'_):** This noun (H4147, מוֹסֵר) refers to a halter, bond, or restraint. It signifies any physical means of control or subjugation. The rhetorical question about "loosing the bands" of the wild ass is ironic, as the creature was never bound by human hands to begin with. This irony powerfully underscores that the wild ass's liberty is a direct result of God's sovereign will, not an act of human release from a prior restraint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who hath sent out the wild ass free?"**: This initial rhetorical question immediately establishes the central theme of divine sovereignty over creation's untamed elements. The verb "sent out" (שָׁלַח, _shalach_) implies an intentional act of dispatching or releasing, suggesting that the wild ass's freedom is not merely an absence of human control, but a positive, active bestowal by God. It challenges Job to consider who truly holds the reins of creation, implying that only the Creator possesses the authority and power to grant such inherent liberty to a creature that defies human domestication. The inclusion of "free" (חָפְשִׁי, _chophshîy_) emphasizes that this is a state of deliberate, unhindered liberty, not merely a lack of capture.
* **"or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?"**: This second rhetorical question serves as a parallel intensification of the first, reinforcing the idea of the wild ass's divinely granted freedom. By asking "who hath loosed the bands," God highlights that the creature's independence is not accidental or merely a result of its wild nature, but a deliberate state maintained by divine will. The imagery of "bands" (מוֹסֵרָה, _moserah_) emphasizes a complete absence of human restraint or harness, underscoring that the wild ass operates outside of human dominion, its liberty sustained solely by the Creator. Together, these questions powerfully contrast human limitation with God's absolute and unchallenged authority over all life, particularly over that which humanity cannot tame.

#### Literary Devices
Job 39:5 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, where God poses questions not for an expected answer, but to make a forceful point and to humble Job by exposing the limits of his knowledge and power. These questions compel Job to acknowledge God's unparalleled wisdom and control over creation. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, with the two clauses "Who hath sent out the wild ass free?" and "or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?" expressing similar ideas in different words. This repetition enhances the emphasis on the wild ass's inherent freedom and God's sole proprietorship over it. Furthermore, there's a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism** in the language, as God is depicted as actively "sending out" and "loosing the bands" of the wild ass, attributing human-like actions of intentional release and management to the divine, thereby making God's sovereignty more relatable and impactful. The wild ass itself functions as a powerful **Symbol**, representing all aspects of creation that are beyond human control, serving as a tangible example of God's unassailable dominion and the inherent liberty God bestows upon His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 39:5 serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute and comprehensive sovereignty over all creation, particularly those elements that defy human control or understanding. It underscores that the freedom and untamed nature of creatures like the wild ass are not accidental but are divinely ordained and sustained, revealing a Creator who delights in the diversity and independence He has woven into the fabric of the natural world. This profound truth about God's dominion over the wild and uncontrollable aspects of creation invites humanity to a posture of humility and awe, recognizing that true wisdom lies in acknowledging our limitations before the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator. The verse challenges any anthropocentric view of the world, redirecting focus to God as the ultimate source of all life and liberty, even for creatures that exist beyond human utility or domestication, thereby cultivating a deeper reverence for His unsearchable ways.

* [Psalm 104:24](/psalm/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Seen in Creation")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 39:5 offers a profound invitation to re-evaluate our understanding of control, wisdom, and divine providence in our own lives. In a world where we often strive for mastery over our circumstances, this verse reminds us that there are vast realms of existence, both natural and spiritual, that remain utterly beyond our grasp. Just as God alone "sent out" the wild ass free, so too does He orchestrate events and sustain life in ways that transcend our comprehension. This realization should cultivate a deep sense of humility, prompting us to release our need for absolute control and instead, surrender to the One who truly holds all things together. It encourages us to find peace not in our ability to tame every "wild ass" in our lives—be it chaotic circumstances, unpredictable people, or unfulfilled desires—but in trusting the sovereign wisdom of God, who manages even the most untamed aspects of His creation with perfect care and purpose. This perspective fosters a spirit of worship and awe, recognizing that our God is infinitely greater, wiser, and more capable than we can ever imagine, inviting us to rest in His unfailing providence and to find freedom in His boundless design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wild asses" in your life (situations, people, or aspects of your personality) do you struggle to control, and how might this verse encourage you to surrender them to God's sovereignty?**
* **How does reflecting on God's mastery over untamed creation deepen your sense of awe and worship for Him?**
* **In what ways does acknowledging your human limitations, as highlighted by this verse, lead to greater humility and trust in God's plan for your life?**

### FAQ
**Why does God focus on the wild ass in His discourse to Job?**

Answer: God focuses on the wild ass (along with other wild animals like the mountain goat, wild ox, and ostrich) in His discourse to Job primarily to illustrate His absolute sovereignty, unsearchable wisdom, and comprehensive control over all creation, especially over those aspects that are beyond human control or domestication. Unlike domesticated animals that serve human purposes, the wild ass lives independently, free from human "bands" or harnesses, thriving in the wilderness. By pointing to this creature, God underscores that its freedom and existence are not due to human inability to capture it, but because God Himself "sent it out free" and "loosed its bands." This serves to humble Job, reminding him that if he cannot even control a wild ass, how much less can he comprehend or challenge the ways of the Almighty Creator, who sustains all life, both wild and tame. It emphasizes that God's power and wisdom are not limited to what is useful or understandable to humanity, but extend to every untamed corner of His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 39:5, with its profound declaration of God's sovereign power over the untamed wild ass, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Word through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ")) and "without Him nothing was made that has been made," Jesus is the very agent of creation, the one who "sent out" the wild ass free and "loosed its bands." He is not merely a distant Creator but the active Sustainer, the one "in whom all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ as Sustainer of All Things")). The untamable freedom of the wild ass, established by God, foreshadows Christ's own divine freedom from the constraints of human expectation and earthly power, as He moved with unparalleled authority, unburdened by the "bands" of sin and death. Furthermore, just as God grants inherent freedom to the wild ass, Christ offers true and ultimate liberation to humanity. He came to "proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), freeing us from the "bands" of sin, the curse of the law, and the dominion of death, which are far more binding than any physical restraint. His victory on the cross and resurrection demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the wild and unpredictable forces of evil, offering a freedom that surpasses mere physical liberty, leading to eternal life and true spiritual freedom in Him ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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

Job 11:12

For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass's colt.

Job 6:5

Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?

Job 24:5

Behold, [as] wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness [yieldeth] food for them [and] for [their] children.

Psalms 104:11

They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

Genesis 16:12

And he will be a wild man; his hand [will be] against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 49:14

Issachar [is] a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

Daniel 5:21

And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and [that] he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.