Job 39:23
A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance.
The quiver rattles at his side
The imagery of a "quiver" in this context is rich with historical and cultural significance. In ancient times, a quiver was a container for arrows, often made of leather or wood, and was an essential part of a warrior's equipment. The Hebrew word for quiver, "אַשְׁפָּה" (ashpah), evokes the readiness and preparedness of a warrior for battle. The "rattling" sound signifies the presence of numerous arrows, indicating a state of alertness and potential for action. This phrase metaphorically suggests the readiness and power of God's creation, as depicted in the warhorse, to fulfill its purpose with strength and precision.

along with the flashing spear and lance
The "flashing spear" and "lance" are symbols of warfare and might. The Hebrew word for spear, "חֲנִית" (chanit), and for lance, "רֹמַח" (romach), both refer to long, pointed weapons used in battle. The "flashing" aspect highlights the gleaming, intimidating presence of these weapons, reflecting the brilliance and awe of divine creation. Historically, these weapons were crafted with great skill and were crucial in ancient combat, representing the power and authority of the warrior. In the broader scriptural context, this imagery underscores the majesty and sovereignty of God, who equips His creation with the tools necessary for their ordained roles. The verse as a whole serves as a reminder of the intricate design and purpose imbued in all of creation, pointing to the Creator's wisdom and might.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job is a poetic dialogue about the nature of suffering and God's sovereignty.

2. God
The speaker in this passage, who is responding to Job. God is illustrating His power and wisdom through the natural world and the creatures He has made.

3. War Horse
The subject of this verse, symbolizing strength, fearlessness, and readiness for battle. The war horse is depicted as unafraid of the rattling quiver and the flashing spear and lance.

4. Battle
The context of the imagery used in this verse, representing the chaos and danger of war, yet also the order and control God has over all creation.

5. Ancient Warfare
The setting that provides the imagery of the quiver, spear, and lance, which were common weapons in ancient battles.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The imagery of the war horse in Job 39:23 illustrates God's control over even the most powerful and fearsome aspects of creation. We are reminded that nothing is outside of His command.

Fearlessness in the Face of Adversity
Just as the war horse is unafraid of the battle, believers are called to face life's challenges with courage, knowing that God is with them.

Trust in God's Strength, Not Our Own
The passage encourages us to rely on God's strength rather than our own abilities or resources, much like the war horse is equipped for battle but ultimately under God's control.

The Majesty and Wisdom of God
This verse is part of a larger passage where God speaks of His creation, demonstrating His wisdom and majesty. It calls us to worship and trust in His perfect plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the war horse in Job 39:23 help us understand God's power and control over creation?

2. In what ways can we apply the fearlessness of the war horse to our own lives when facing spiritual battles?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 21:31, reinforce the message of trusting in God rather than human strength?

4. What are some practical ways we can shift our reliance from our own abilities to God's strength in our daily lives?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and wisdom, as illustrated in Job 39, impact our response to suffering and trials?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 20:7
This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, highlighting the theme of reliance on God rather than human strength.

Proverbs 21:31
This verse speaks to the preparation for battle, but ultimately, victory comes from the Lord, reinforcing the idea of God's sovereignty over human affairs.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against relying on horses and chariots for deliverance, emphasizing trust in God.
The Creatures not Dependent Upon ManR. Green Job 39:1-30
The War-HorseW.F. Adeney Job 39:19-25
Horses in BattleT. De Witt Talmage.Job 39:19-30
The Higher Teaching of NatureJohn Fry, B. A.Job 39:19-30
The HorseT. De Witt Talmage.Job 39:19-30
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Along, Arrow, Bow, Flame, Flashing, Glittering, Halbert, Javelin, Lance, Point, Quiver, Rattle, Rattles, Rattleth, Sees, Shield, Shining, Sounding, Spear
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 39:23

     5488   quivers

Job 39:1-30

     1305   God, activity of

Job 39:19-25

     4657   horse

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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