Job 39:21
He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle.
He paws in the valley
The imagery of "paws" suggests a vigorous and energetic action, akin to a horse or a powerful creature preparing for a significant task. In the Hebrew context, the word used here can imply a sense of readiness and anticipation. The "valley" often symbolizes a place of preparation or testing in biblical literature. Valleys are fertile grounds, but they can also be places of vulnerability. This phrase captures the creature's eagerness and readiness to face challenges, reflecting a spiritual readiness that believers are called to embody when facing life's trials.

and rejoices in his strength
The word "rejoices" conveys a sense of exuberant joy and confidence. In Hebrew, joy is often linked with divine favor and strength. The creature's "strength" is not just physical but also symbolic of inner fortitude and God-given abilities. This phrase encourages believers to find joy in the strengths and gifts God has bestowed upon them, recognizing that true strength comes from the Lord. It is a call to embrace one's God-given potential with gratitude and confidence.

he charges into battle
The action of "charges" denotes a forward, aggressive movement, indicative of courage and determination. In the ancient world, battle was a common metaphor for spiritual and moral struggles. The creature's willingness to "charge into battle" reflects a fearless approach to life's challenges, trusting in the strength and protection of God. This phrase serves as an inspiration for believers to confront their own battles with faith and courage, knowing that God equips and empowers them for victory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering.

2. God
The speaker in this passage, who is responding to Job, highlighting His creation and sovereignty.

3. The Horse
The subject of this verse, symbolizing strength, courage, and readiness for battle.

4. The Valley
Represents a place of preparation and anticipation, where the horse readies itself for the coming challenge.

5. Battle
A metaphor for life's challenges and spiritual warfare, where strength and courage are tested.
Teaching Points
Strength and Readiness
Just as the horse is prepared and eager for battle, Christians should be spiritually prepared and eager to face life's challenges with God's strength.

God's Sovereignty in Creation
This verse is part of God's discourse on His creation, reminding us of His power and control over all things, including our lives.

Courage in the Face of Trials
The horse's charge into battle symbolizes the courage we must have when facing spiritual and personal battles, trusting in God's provision and strength.

Joy in God's Strength
The horse rejoices in its strength, teaching us to find joy in the strength God provides us to overcome obstacles.

Preparation for Spiritual Warfare
Like the horse preparing for battle, we must equip ourselves with God's Word and prayer to stand firm in spiritual warfare.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the horse in Job 39:21 inspire you to face your own battles with courage and strength?

2. In what ways can you prepare yourself spiritually for the challenges you face, drawing parallels to the horse's readiness for battle?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in His creation, impact your trust in Him during difficult times?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in God's strength. How can this verse encourage you to seek that joy more consistently?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Ephesians 6:10-18, enhance your understanding of spiritual preparedness and reliance on God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 147:10
This verse speaks of God's delight not being in the strength of the horse, but in those who fear Him, emphasizing reliance on God over physical might.

Proverbs 21:31
Highlights that while preparation for battle is necessary, ultimate victory comes from the Lord, reminding us of God's sovereignty.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Discusses the armor of God, drawing a parallel to the readiness and strength depicted in Job 39:21, but focusing on spiritual preparedness.
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
Armed, Armour, Arms, Charges, Clash, Dig, Exults, Fear, Fiercely, Forth, Fray, Goes, Host, Joy, Makes, Meet, Paweth, Paws, Power, Rejoices, Rejoiceth, Rejoicing, Sport, Stamping, Strength, Valley, Weapons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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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