Job 38:39
Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions
Can you hunt
The phrase "Can you hunt" challenges human capability and understanding. In Hebrew, the word for "hunt" is "צוד" (tsud), which implies not just the act of hunting but also the skill and knowledge required to track and capture prey. This question from God to Job underscores the limitations of human power compared to divine omnipotence. It serves as a reminder that while humans may possess certain skills, the ultimate control and provision belong to God. This reflects the broader theme of the Book of Job, where human understanding is contrasted with divine wisdom.

the prey
The term "prey" in Hebrew is "טרף" (teref), which refers to the food that is hunted and captured. In the natural world, prey is essential for the survival of predators, and this cycle is part of God's intricate design. The mention of "prey" highlights the dependence of creatures on God's provision. It serves as a metaphor for God's sustenance of all creation, reminding us that He is the provider of all needs, both physical and spiritual.

for the lioness
The "lioness" is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing strength, courage, and ferocity. In the ancient Near East, lions were seen as majestic and formidable creatures. The Hebrew word "לביא" (lavi'ah) for lioness emphasizes the role of the female lion in hunting and providing for her cubs. This imagery illustrates God's provision and care for even the most powerful of His creatures, reinforcing the idea that all of creation is under His sovereign care.

or satisfy
The word "satisfy" in Hebrew is "שׂבע" (sava), meaning to fill or fulfill. It conveys the idea of meeting needs completely and abundantly. This term is significant in the context of divine provision, as it suggests that only God can truly satisfy the needs of His creation. It is a reminder of God's sufficiency and the abundance of His blessings, which are beyond human capability to provide.

the hunger
"Hunger" in Hebrew is "רעב" (ra'av), which denotes a deep need or craving. This word captures the urgency and necessity of sustenance for survival. In a spiritual sense, it can also represent the human soul's longing for God. The mention of hunger in this verse points to the dependence of all living beings on God's provision, emphasizing that He alone can fulfill the deepest needs of His creation.

of the young lions
The "young lions" symbolize strength, potential, and the future generation. In Hebrew, "כפירים" (kefirim) refers to young, vigorous lions that are learning to fend for themselves. This imagery highlights the natural order and the process of growth and development within God's creation. It serves as a reminder of God's care for all stages of life and His role in nurturing and sustaining the future. The mention of young lions also underscores the theme of divine wisdom and provision, as God ensures the continuation and flourishing of His creation.

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

2. God
The Creator, who responds to Job's questioning by highlighting His sovereignty and wisdom.

3. Lioness and Young Lions
Symbolic of God's provision in nature, representing His care for all creation.

4. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.

5. The Divine Speech
God's response to Job, beginning in chapter 38, where He questions Job to illustrate His omnipotence and wisdom.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
Recognize that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer of all life, as demonstrated in His care for the lioness and her cubs.

Trust in Divine Provision
Just as God provides for the lions, we can trust Him to meet our needs, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Humility Before God's Wisdom
Acknowledge our limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom, as Job is reminded through God's questioning.

The Role of Nature in Revealing God
Observe how nature reflects God's character and provision, encouraging us to worship and trust Him more deeply.

Learning from Suffering
Understand that our trials can lead us to a deeper awareness of God's power and care, as seen in Job's journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 38:39 challenge our understanding of God's role in the natural world?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, similar to His care for the lions?

3. How does recognizing God's sovereignty in creation affect our response to personal trials?

4. What other biblical examples illustrate God's provision for His creation, and how do they encourage us?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's wisdom and provision, especially when facing uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 104
This Psalm praises God for His creation and provision, similar to the themes in Job 38, emphasizing 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 the lions in Job 38:39.

Isaiah 40:26-31
Highlights God's power and understanding, reinforcing the message of God's sovereignty found in Job 38.

1 Peter 5:7
Encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God, trusting in His care, akin to the trust in God's provision seen in Job 38:39.

Genesis 1:28-30
Describes God's provision for all living creatures, aligning with the theme of divine provision in Job 38:39.
Spiritual TelegraphyT. Kelly.
People
Job, Satellites
Places
Uz
Topics
Appetite, Canst, Desire, Fill, Fulfil, Hunger, Hunt, Lion, Lioness, Lions, Meat, Prey, Satisfy, She-lion, Wilt
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 38:39

     5342   hunting

Job 38:1-41

     5273   creativity

Job 38:39-41

     1355   providence
     4604   animals, nature of
     5939   satisfaction

Library
August 11 Evening
Where is the way that light dwelleth?--JOB 38:19. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.--The Father . . . hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24. "Where is the Way Where Light Dwelleth" (Job xxxviii. 19).
"Where is the way where light dwelleth" (Job xxxviii. 19). Jewels, in themselves, are valueless, unless they are brought in contact with light. If they are put in certain positions they will reflect the beauty of the sun. There is no beauty in them otherwise. The diamond that is back in its dark gallery or down in the deep mine, displays no beauty whatever. What is it but a piece of charcoal, a bit of common carbon, unless it becomes a medium for reflecting light? And so it is also with the other
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Tragic Break in the Plan.
The Jerusalem Climate: the contrasting receptions, Luke 2. the music of heaven, Job 38:6, 7. Luke 2:13, 14. pick out the choruses of Revelation, the crowning book.--the after-captivity leaders, see Ezra and Nehemiah--ideals and ideas--present leaders--Herod--the high priest--the faithful few, Luke 2:25, 38. 23:51. The Bethlehem Fog: Matthew 1 and 2. Luke 2. a foggy shadow--suspicion of Mary--a stable cradle--murder of babes--star-students--senate meeting--a troubled city-flight--Galilee. The
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

God's Restraining Power.
(New Year's Day.) TEXT: JOB xxxviii. 11. "Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed." THESE words are taken from a sublime discourse, which -- is put by the writer in the mouth of the Highest Himself, the Creator and Preserver of the world. In it He answers Job out of the whirlwind, when he had complained, though reverently and humbly, that the Lord did not allow men to find Him; that, moreover, He gave no account of His matters to them, and that therefore
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Joy of the Lord.
IT is written "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Every child of God knows in some measure what it is to rejoice in the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ must ever be the sole object of the believer's joy, and as eyes and heart look upon Him, we, too, like "the strangers scattered abroad" to whom Peter wrote shall "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. i:8). But it is upon our heart to meditate with our beloved readers on the joy of our adorable Lord, as his own personal joy. The
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Evil of Sin visible in the Fall of Angels and Men.
1 When the great Builder arch'd the skies, And form'd all nature with a word, The joyful cherubs tun'd his praise, And every bending throne ador'd. 2 High in the midst of all the throng, Satan, a tall archangel, sat, Amongst the morning stars he sung [1] Till sin destroy'd his heavenly state. 3 ['Twas sin that hurl'd him from his throne, Grov'ling in fire the rebel lies: "How art thou sunk in darkness down, "Son of the morning, from the skies!" [2] 4 And thus our two first parents stood Till sin
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

The Old and New Creation.

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Whether it was Fitting that the Gathering Together of the Waters Should Take Place, as Recorded, on the Third Day?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was not fitting that the gathering together of the waters should take place on the third day. For what was made on the first and second days is expressly said to have been "made" in the words, "God said: Be light made," and "Let there be a firmament made."But the third day is contradistinguished from the first and the second days. Therefore the work of the third day should have been described as a making not as a gathering together. Objection 2: Further, the earth
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether this Name "Father" is Applied to God, Firstly as a Personal Name?
Objection 1: It would seem that this name "Father" is not applied to God, firstly as a personal name. For in the intellect the common precedes the particular. But this name "Father" as a personal name, belongs to the person of the Father; and taken in an essential sense it is common to the whole Trinity; for we say "Our Father" to the whole Trinity. Therefore "Father" comes first as an essential name before its personal sense. Objection 2: Further, in things of which the concept is the same there
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Proper to the Rational Nature to be Adopted?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not proper to the rational nature to be adopted. For God is not said to be the Father of the rational creature, save by adoption. But God is called the Father even of the irrational creature, according to Job 38:28: "Who is father of the rain? Or who begot the drops of dew?" Therefore it is not proper to the rational creature to be adopted. Objection 2: Further, by reason of adoption some are called sons of God. But to be sons of God seems to be properly attributed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

'The End of the Lord'
'Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2. I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can he withholden from Thee. 3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4. Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak: I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me. 5. I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Being of God
Q-III: WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES PRINCIPALLY TEACH? A: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. Q-IV: WHAT IS GOD? A: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Here is, 1: Something implied. That there is a God. 2: Expressed. That he is a Spirit. 3: What kind of Spirit? I. Implied. That there is a God. The question, What is God? takes for granted that there
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained
They shall see God. Matthew 5:8 These words are linked to the former and they are a great incentive to heart-purity. The pure heart shall see the pure God. There is a double sight which the saints have of God. 1 In this life; that is, spiritually by the eye of faith. Faith sees God's glorious attributes in the glass of his Word. Faith beholds him showing forth himself through the lattice of his ordinances. Thus Moses saw him who was invisible (Hebrews 11:27). Believers see God's glory as it were
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

They Shall be Called the Children of God
They shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 In these words the glorious privilege of the saints is set down. Those who have made their peace with God and labour to make peace among brethren, this is the great honour conferred upon them, They shall be called the children of God'. They shall be (called)', that is, they shall be so reputed and esteemed of God. God never miscalls anything. He does not call them children which are no children. Thou shalt be called the prophet of the Highest'
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. Who is a fit messenger to declare this message? Can darkness comprehend the light, or apprehend it? Or can those that are blind form any lively notion of light, to the instruction and persuasion of others? Truly, no more can we conceive or speak of God, who is that pure light, than a blind man can discourse on colours, or a deaf man on sounds. "Who is blind as the Lord's servant?" And
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42).
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

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