◄ Job 39:28 ►
He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag.
Study Bible
He dwells
The phrase "He dwells" suggests a sense of permanence and stability. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which implies residing or settling down. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's presence among His people, as in the Tabernacle. The imagery of dwelling conveys a sense of security and intentionality, reflecting the eagle's instinctual choice of habitat. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the importance of finding their dwelling in God, who is our ultimate refuge and strength.

on a cliff
The "cliff" represents a high, inaccessible place, often associated with safety and vantage. In ancient times, cliffs were natural fortresses, providing protection from predators and enemies. The Hebrew word "סֶלַע" (sela) is used here, which can also mean rock or crag. This imagery is powerful in the biblical narrative, as God is frequently referred to as a "Rock" (Psalm 18:2), symbolizing His unchanging nature and the security He provides. For believers, this serves as a reminder to place their trust in God, who is our steadfast protector.

and lodges there
The phrase "and lodges there" indicates a temporary resting place, suggesting both rest and vigilance. The Hebrew word "לוּן" (lun) can mean to lodge or to pass the night. This duality of meaning reflects the eagle's ability to rest while remaining alert to its surroundings. In a spiritual sense, it encourages Christians to find rest in God while staying watchful in their faith journey, echoing Jesus' call to "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41).

his stronghold
The term "stronghold" conveys a sense of defense and fortification. In Hebrew, "מָצוּד" (matsud) refers to a fortress or a place of safety. This word is often used in the Psalms to describe God as a refuge and fortress for His people (Psalm 91:2). The eagle's stronghold on the rocky crag symbolizes the believer's reliance on God's strength and protection. It serves as a reminder that our true security lies not in earthly things but in our relationship with God.

is a rocky crag
The "rocky crag" is a rugged, elevated place, emphasizing the themes of strength and elevation. The Hebrew "סֶלַע" (sela) is repeated here, reinforcing the idea of a solid, unyielding foundation. In biblical symbolism, rocks and crags often represent God's enduring faithfulness and the believer's firm foundation in Him. This imagery encourages Christians to build their lives on the "rock" of Christ's teachings (Matthew 7:24-25), ensuring stability and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

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

2. God
The speaker in this passage, addressing Job and highlighting His creation's wonders and mysteries.

3. Eagle
The bird being described in this verse, known for its strength, majesty, and high dwelling places.

4. Cliff/Rocky Crag
The natural habitat of the eagle, symbolizing strength, security, and elevation.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, divine justice, and faith.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Creation
The eagle's dwelling on high cliffs reflects God's sovereign design in creation, showcasing His power and wisdom.

Security in God
Just as the eagle finds safety in the rocky crags, believers can find security and refuge in God, who is our stronghold.

Elevation through Faith
The eagle's high dwelling place symbolizes the spiritual elevation and perspective we gain through faith and trust in God.

Majesty and Mystery
The eagle's life and habitat remind us of the majesty and mystery of God's creation, encouraging us to trust in His unseen plans.

Strength and Renewal
Like the eagle, we are called to renew our strength in the Lord, rising above life's challenges with His help.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the eagle dwelling on a cliff enhance our understanding of God's provision and protection?

2. In what ways can we find security and refuge in God, similar to the eagle's stronghold in the rocky crag?

3. How does the concept of elevation through faith apply to our daily walk with God, and what practical steps can we take to achieve this?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's majesty and mystery in creation. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him?

5. How can we apply the lesson of strength and renewal from Isaiah 40:31 in our current life circumstances, drawing parallels to the eagle's characteristics?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 91:1-2
This passage speaks of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, similar to the eagle's secure dwelling on high cliffs, symbolizing God's protection.

Isaiah 40:31
This verse mentions those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles, connecting the eagle's strength and elevation to spiritual renewal and reliance on God.

Proverbs 30:18-19
These verses describe the way of an eagle in the sky as one of the wonders, highlighting the majesty and mystery of God's creation.

Matthew 6:26
Jesus speaks of the birds of the air, emphasizing God's provision and care, which can be related to the eagle's secure dwelling.

Deuteronomy 32:11
Describes God as an eagle stirring up its nest, caring for its young, symbolizing God's nurturing and protective nature.
Sermons
The Creatures not Dependent Upon ManR. Green Job 39:1-30
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
The Hawk and the EagleW.F. Adeney Job 39:26-30
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Abideth, Cliff, Crag, Dwelleth, Dwelling, Dwells, Fastness, Fortress, Home, Inaccessible, Inhabit, Inhabiteth, Lodges, Lodgeth, Makes, Maketh, Mountain-top, Point, Rock, Rocky, Stays, Strong, Stronghold, Tooth, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 39:1-30

     1305   God, activity of

Job 39:27-30

     4675   nest

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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