Job 39:21

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Job 39:21

The book of Job explores profound questions about suffering, divine justice, and God's sovereignty. In chapters 38-41, God directly addresses Job from a whirlwind, not to explain Job's suffering, but to display His own incomparable power, wisdom, and knowledge over all creation. He describes various magnificent and untamable creatures – the lion, the raven, the wild ass, the unicorn, the ostrich, and here, the mighty warhorse.

Job 39:21 is part of God's vivid description of the warhorse, beginning in Job 39:19. This passage highlights the horse's incredible strength, courage, and eagerness for battle, all qualities endowed by God. The verse emphasizes the horse's restless energy and readiness to charge into the fray, confronting even the most formidable opponents.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power and Design: This verse beautifully illustrates God's intricate design and power embedded within His creation. The warhorse's innate strength and fearless spirit are not random but are sovereignly given by the Creator, showcasing His meticulous attention to every detail of the natural world.
  • Strength and Fearlessness: The imagery of the horse "pawing in the valley" speaks to its boundless energy and impatience to engage, while "rejoiceth in his strength" underscores its delight and confidence in its own mighty capabilities. It embodies a spirit of unyielding courage, willing to "goeth on to meet the armed men," signifying its readiness to face overwhelming odds.
  • Readiness for Conflict: The warhorse serves as a powerful symbol of preparedness and determination in the face of adversity. Its eagerness to confront "armed men" highlights its natural instinct to engage in battle, without hesitation or fear, a trait instilled by its Maker.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "paweth" is châphar (חָפַר), which literally means "to dig" or "to search." In this context, it vividly portrays the horse's restless, impatient scraping or pawing of the ground, indicating its fervent desire to move and engage. This action is a clear sign of its intense energy and anticipation. The phrase "rejoiceth in his strength" uses the Hebrew term sâmas (שָׂמַח) for "rejoice" and kôach (כֹּחַ) for "strength," emphasizing the horse's profound pleasure and confidence derived from its inherent power, a power given by God.

Practical Application

Job 39:21 reminds us of the incredible diversity and power within God's creation, which should inspire awe and humility. Just as the warhorse is divinely endowed with strength and courage for its purpose, believers are also equipped by God for the challenges they face. We can draw strength from the knowledge that God, who intricately designed such creatures, also cares for us and provides us with the necessary resources to navigate life's battles. This verse can encourage us to face our own "armed men"—our challenges, fears, or adversaries—with a spirit of courage and confidence, knowing that our ultimate strength comes from the Lord. As Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 8:6 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 17:42 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 17:4 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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