Job 39:12

Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?

Study Bible

Can you trust him
This phrase challenges the reader to consider the reliability and faithfulness of the subject in question. In the context of Job 39, God is speaking to Job about the natural world and its creatures, emphasizing His sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding. The Hebrew root for "trust" is "בָּטַח" (batach), which conveys a sense of confidence and security. This word invites reflection on the nature of trust in God, who is ultimately in control of all creation. It challenges believers to examine their own trust in God's provision and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

to bring in your grain
The imagery of bringing in grain is rich with agricultural significance, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Grain was a staple of life, essential for sustenance and survival. The Hebrew word for "grain" is "דָּגָן" (dagan), which often symbolizes God's provision and blessing. This phrase underscores the dependence of humanity on God's creation and the natural order He established. It serves as a reminder of the divine orchestration behind the cycles of planting and harvest, encouraging believers to recognize God's hand in their daily needs and to trust Him for their provision.

and gather it
The act of gathering implies careful collection and stewardship. In the Hebrew context, the word "אָסַף" (asaph) is used, which means to gather or collect. This action is not just about physical labor but also about the wisdom and diligence required to bring in the harvest. It reflects the partnership between human effort and divine blessing. The gathering of grain can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the importance of being prepared for the spiritual harvest, as echoed in the teachings of Jesus about the harvest being plentiful but the workers few (Matthew 9:37).

to your threshing floor
The threshing floor is a place of separation and purification, where grain is separated from chaff. In ancient times, it was a communal space, often located on elevated ground to catch the wind for winnowing. The Hebrew term "גֹּרֶן" (goren) signifies this critical stage in the agricultural process. Spiritually, the threshing floor represents a place of testing and refinement, where God purifies and prepares His people. It is a powerful symbol of transformation and readiness for use in God's kingdom. This phrase invites believers to consider their own spiritual threshing floors, where God may be working to refine and prepare them for His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

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

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

3. Wild Ox (Re'em)
A symbol of strength and untamed power, used by God to illustrate His control over creation and the limitations of human power.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Just as Job is challenged to trust in God's control over creation, we are called to trust in His sovereignty over our lives.

Human Limitations
Recognize our limitations in understanding and controlling the world, and submit to God's greater wisdom and power.

Dependence on God for Provision
Like the wild ox, which cannot be fully tamed or trusted by humans, we must rely on God to provide and gather our needs.

Faith in Unseen Outcomes
Trusting God involves faith in outcomes we cannot see or control, much like trusting the wild ox to gather grain.

Humility Before God
Acknowledge our place in creation and approach God with humility, recognizing His ultimate authority and wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the wild ox in Job 39:12 challenge our understanding of control and trust in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of trusting God for provision, as seen in Job 39:12, to our current financial or personal challenges?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Job 39:12 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about worry and provision?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility and trust in God's wisdom, as illustrated in Job 39:12?

5. How can reflecting on our limitations, as highlighted in Job 39:12, lead us to a deeper reliance on God's strength and guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 104
This Psalm praises God for His creation and providence, similar to God's discourse in Job, emphasizing His control over all creatures.

Isaiah 40
Highlights God's sovereignty and the futility of human understanding compared to His wisdom, echoing the themes in Job 39.

Matthew 6
Jesus teaches about trusting God for provision, paralleling the trust theme in Job 39:12.