◄ Job 39:7 ►
He scorns the tumult of the city and never hears the shouts of a driver.
Study Bible
He scorns
The Hebrew word for "scorns" is "yil'ag," which conveys a sense of mocking or derision. In the context of Job 39, this word highlights the wild and untamed nature of the creature being described, often understood to be the wild donkey. This animal is depicted as having a disdainful attitude towards the constraints and chaos of human civilization. From a spiritual perspective, this can be seen as a metaphor for the freedom found in God's creation, unburdened by the complexities and corruptions of human society.

the tumult of the city
The term "tumult" comes from the Hebrew "hamon," which refers to noise, commotion, or a large crowd. The "city" represents human civilization, with all its busyness, noise, and distractions. In the ancient world, cities were centers of trade, politics, and social interaction, often associated with human pride and self-sufficiency. The wild donkey's indifference to the city's tumult symbolizes a life that is not entangled in worldly concerns, echoing the biblical theme of being in the world but not of it.

and never hears
The phrase "never hears" suggests a deliberate ignorance or a natural inability to perceive. The Hebrew root "shama" means to hear or listen, but in this context, it implies a conscious or inherent choice to remain unaffected by external pressures. This can inspire believers to cultivate a spiritual discipline that prioritizes divine wisdom over worldly noise, echoing Jesus' teaching to have ears that truly hear (Matthew 11:15).

the shouts of a driver
The "shouts" refer to the commands or urgings of a "driver," which in Hebrew is "noges," meaning one who drives or compels, often associated with forced labor or oppression. This imagery evokes the idea of control and subjugation, common in ancient societies where animals and people alike were driven to labor. The wild donkey's freedom from such shouts symbolizes a life liberated from the bondage of sin and human oppression, reflecting the Christian call to live freely in Christ (Galatians 5:1).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, Job is the central figure in the Book of Job. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, which lead to profound discussions about God's justice and human suffering.

2. God
The Creator, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind in chapters 38-41, highlighting His sovereignty and the mysteries of creation.

3. The Wild Donkey
The subject of God's discourse in this verse, representing freedom and independence from human control.

4. The City
Symbolizes human civilization, order, and the noise of daily life, which the wild donkey scorns.

5. The Driver
Represents human authority and control, which the wild donkey does not heed.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The wild donkey's independence illustrates God's control over all creatures, emphasizing His sovereignty and the natural order He established.

Freedom from Worldly Constraints
The wild donkey's disdain for the city's tumult and the driver's shouts can symbolize the believer's call to live free from worldly pressures and distractions.

Contentment in God's Provision
Just as the wild donkey thrives without human intervention, believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and care.

The Value of Solitude
The wild donkey's preference for solitude over the city's chaos can remind believers of the importance of withdrawing from the world to seek God.

Understanding Our Place in Creation
Recognizing the wild donkey's role in God's creation can help believers appreciate the diversity and purpose of all life forms.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the wild donkey's independence from human control reflect God's sovereignty in your life?

2. In what ways can you relate to the wild donkey's scorn for the city's tumult in your own spiritual journey?

3. How can the wild donkey's life teach us about trusting in God's provision rather than relying on human systems?

4. What steps can you take to find solitude and quietness in your life to better hear God's voice?

5. How does understanding the role of the wild donkey in creation help you appreciate the diversity and purpose of God's creatures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 16:12
Describes Ishmael as a "wild donkey of a man," highlighting themes of independence and living outside societal norms.

Psalm 104:10-11
Speaks of God's provision for wild animals, including donkeys, emphasizing God's care for all creation.

Isaiah 32:14
Mentions deserted places where wild donkeys roam, symbolizing desolation and freedom from human habitation.
Sermons
The Creatures not Dependent Upon ManR. Green Job 39:1-30
The Wild AssW.F. Adeney Job 39:5-8
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Commotion, Cries, Crying, Driver, Driver's, Ears, Exactor, Heareth, Hears, Laugh, Laugheth, Makes, Multitude, Noise, Regardeth, Scorneth, Scorns, Shout, Shouting, Shoutings, Shouts, Sport, Town, Tumult, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 39:1-30

     1305   God, activity 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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