◄ Job 39:1 ►
"Do you know when mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn?
Study Bible
Do you know
This phrase challenges human understanding and knowledge, emphasizing the limitations of human wisdom compared to God's omniscience. In the Hebrew text, the word used for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. This rhetorical question serves to remind Job—and the reader—of the vastness of God's creation and the depth of His understanding, which far surpasses human comprehension.

when the mountain goats give birth?
The mountain goats, or "יָעֵל" (yael) in Hebrew, are creatures that inhabit remote and rugged terrains. Their birthing process is hidden from human eyes, symbolizing the mysteries of nature that God alone fully comprehends. The reference to mountain goats highlights God's care and provision for all creatures, even those in the most inaccessible places. This imagery serves to illustrate God's sovereignty and meticulous attention to detail in His creation.

Have you watched
The Hebrew root "רָאָה" (ra'ah) means to see or observe. This word underscores the idea of witnessing or understanding events as they unfold. The question implies that Job, and by extension humanity, lacks the ability to observe and understand the intricate processes of life that God oversees. It is a call to recognize the limitations of human perception and the need to trust in God's perfect vision and plan.

the doe bear her fawn?
The doe, or "אַיָּלָה" (ayalah) in Hebrew, represents gentleness and vulnerability. The birthing of a fawn is a delicate and hidden event, further emphasizing the theme of God's intimate involvement in the natural world. This phrase invites reflection on the nurturing aspect of God's character, as He watches over and sustains life in all its forms. It serves as a reminder of the Creator's ongoing role in the cycle of life, reinforcing the message of divine providence and care.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions God's purposes.

2. God
The Creator, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of the natural world and divine wisdom.

3. Mountain Goats
Wild animals that live in rugged terrains, symbolizing God's care for all creation.

4. Doe
A female deer, representing the intricate and hidden processes of life that God oversees.

5. The Whirlwind
The medium through which God speaks to Job, signifying His power and majesty.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
God is intimately involved in the details of His creation, from the birth of mountain goats to the life of every creature. This reminds us of His sovereignty and care over all aspects of life.

Human Limitations and Divine Wisdom
The questions posed to Job highlight human limitations in understanding the complexities of the natural world, pointing us to trust in God's infinite wisdom.

Trust in God's Provision
Just as God provides for the mountain goats and the doe, He will provide for us. We are called to trust in His provision and care, even when we do not understand His ways.

Humility Before God
Recognizing our limited understanding should lead us to humility before God, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him.

Observing God's Creation
Observing the natural world can lead us to worship and awe of the Creator, as we see His handiwork and care in every detail.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's care for the mountain goats and the doe challenge your perspective on His care for you?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a greater trust in God's provision in your daily life?

3. How does recognizing human limitations in understanding creation affect your relationship with God?

4. What are some practical ways you can observe and appreciate God's creation in your everyday life?

5. How can the themes of God's sovereignty and wisdom in Job 39:1 encourage you in times of uncertainty or trial?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 104
This psalm praises God for His creation and providence, echoing the themes of God's care for all creatures.

Matthew 6:26
Jesus speaks about God's provision for the birds, drawing a parallel to God's care for all His creation, including humans.

Isaiah 40:26
This verse highlights God's sovereignty and knowledge over the stars, similar to His knowledge of the natural world in Job 39:1.

Proverbs 30:29-31
These verses describe various animals and their unique characteristics, reflecting God's wisdom in creation.

Romans 1:20
Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities and divine nature being understood through what has been made, aligning with the themes in Job 39.
Sermons
The Study of Zoology a Religious DutyHomilistJob 39:1-4
The Creatures not Dependent Upon ManR. Green Job 39:1-30
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Bearing, Bears, Birth, Bring, Bringing, Calve, Calving, Canst, Deer, Doe, Fawn, Fawns, Forth, Giving, Goats, Hast, Hinds, Mark, Mountain, Observe, Rock, Rock-goats, Roes, Watch, Wild
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 39:1-30

     1305   God, activity of
     4604   animals, nature of

Library
Whether Daring is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that daring is not a sin. For it is written (Job 39:21) concerning the horse, by which according to Gregory (Moral. xxxi) the godly preacher is denoted, that "he goeth forth boldly to meet armed men [*Vulg.: 'he pranceth boldly, he goeth forth to meet armed men']." But no vice redounds to a man's praise. Therefore it is not a sin to be daring. Objection 2: Further, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. vi, 9), "one should take counsel in thought, and do quickly what has been …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Religious Life of those who Live in Community is More Perfect than that of those who Lead a Solitary Life?
Objection 1: It would seem that the religious life of those who live in community is more perfect than that of those who lead a solitary life. For it is written (Eccles. 4:9): "It is better . . . that two should be together, than one; for they have the advantage of their society." Therefore the religious life of those who live in community would seem to be more perfect. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Mat. 18:20): "Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there am I in the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Mode and Order of the Temptation were Becoming?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode and order of the temptation were unbecoming. For the devil tempts in order to induce us to sin. But if Christ had assuaged His bodily hunger by changing the stones into bread, He would not have sinned; just as neither did He sin when He multiplied the loaves, which was no less a miracle, in order to succor the hungry crowd. Therefore it seems that this was nowise a temptation. Objection 2: Further, a counselor is inconsistent if he persuades the contrary to …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that contention is not a mortal sin. For there is no mortal sin in spiritual men: and yet contention is to be found in them, according to Lk. 22:24: "And there was also a strife amongst" the disciples of Jesus, "which of them should . . . be the greatest." Therefore contention is not a mortal sin. Objection 2: Further, no well disposed man should be pleased that his neighbor commit a mortal sin. But the Apostle says (Phil. 1:17): "Some out of contention preach Christ," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Animals
The birds are the saints, because they fly to the higher heart; in the gospel: and he made great branches that the birds of the air might live in their shade. [Mark 4:32] Flying is the death of the saints in God or the knowledge of the Scriptures; in the psalm: I shall fly and I shall be at rest. [Ps. 54(55):7 Vulgate] The wings are the two testaments; in Ezekiel: your body will fly with two wings of its own. [Ez. 1:23] The feathers are the Scriptures; in the psalm: the wings of the silver dove. …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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