Job 39:29 Study Bible: From there he spies out the prey. His eyes see it afar off.

◄ Job 39:29 ►

From there he spies out food; his eyes see it from afar.

From there
This phrase indicates a position or vantage point. In the context of Job 39, God is speaking of the eagle, a creature known for its high nests and lofty perches. The Hebrew word used here can imply a place of security and advantage. Spiritually, this can remind believers of the importance of having a heavenly perspective, seeing life from God's vantage point, which offers clarity and insight.

he spies out
The verb here suggests careful observation and discernment. In Hebrew, the root word can mean to look intently or to search. This reflects the eagle's keen ability to focus and identify its prey. For Christians, this can symbolize the need for spiritual discernment, to be vigilant and aware of the spiritual nourishment God provides.

food
The term for food in this context is literal, referring to the sustenance the eagle seeks. However, in a broader biblical sense, food often symbolizes spiritual nourishment. Jesus referred to Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35). This highlights the importance of seeking spiritual sustenance from God, who provides for all our needs.

his eyes
The eyes of the eagle are renowned for their sharpness and ability to see great distances. In Hebrew culture, eyes often symbolize understanding and insight. This can inspire believers to pray for spiritual vision, to see beyond the immediate and perceive God's greater plan and purpose.

see it
This phrase emphasizes the act of perception. The Hebrew root can mean to perceive or understand. It is not just about physical sight but also about comprehension. In a spiritual sense, it encourages believers to seek understanding and wisdom from God, who grants insight to those who earnestly seek Him.

from afar
The ability to see from afar speaks to the eagle's exceptional vision. In a spiritual context, this can be seen as an encouragement to have foresight and to trust in God's eternal perspective. It reminds believers that God sees the end from the beginning and that His plans are perfect, even when they are beyond our immediate understanding.

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, highlighting His creation and the natural instincts He has endowed in creatures.

3. Eagle
The bird being described in this verse, known for its keen eyesight and ability to spot prey from great distances.

4. Heavenly Court
The setting of the initial chapters of Job, where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness.

5. Land of Uz
The region where Job lived, often associated with the ancient Near East.

Teaching Points

God's Provision and Sovereignty
Just as the eagle is equipped to find food from afar, God provides for all His creation. Trust in His provision and sovereignty over your life.

Spiritual Vision and Discernment
Like the eagle's keen eyesight, Christians are called to develop spiritual discernment to see God's hand in their lives and make wise decisions.

Strength and Renewal
The eagle's strength and ability to soar high remind believers of the strength and renewal found in waiting on the Lord.

Purpose and Design in Creation
The intricate design of the eagle points to a Creator who has a purpose for every creature, encouraging believers to seek God's purpose for their lives.

Faith in Adversity
Job's account, including this passage, teaches that even in suffering, God's wisdom and care are evident, encouraging steadfast faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the eagle in Job 39:29 enhance your understanding of God's provision in your life?

2. In what ways can you develop spiritual discernment similar to the eagle's keen eyesight?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's strength and renewal. How does this relate to the imagery of the eagle?

4. How does recognizing God's purpose and design in creation influence your daily walk with Him?

5. What lessons can you draw from Job's faith in adversity that can be applied to your current life challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 40:31
This verse speaks of those who hope in the Lord renewing their strength and soaring on wings like eagles, drawing a parallel to the eagle's strength and vision.

Proverbs 30:19
Mentions the way of an eagle in the sky, highlighting the mystery and majesty of God's creation.

Matthew 6:26
Jesus speaks of the birds of the air, emphasizing God's provision and care for His creation, similar to the eagle's ability to find food.

Psalm 103:5
Describes God satisfying desires with good things so that one's youth is renewed like the eagle's, symbolizing renewal and strength.

Deuteronomy 32:11
Compares God's care for Israel to an eagle stirring up its nest and hovering over its young, illustrating protection and guidance.

Sermons

The Creatures not Dependent Upon Man	R. Green	Job 39:1-30
Horses in Battle	T. De Witt Talmage.	Job 39:19-30
The Higher Teaching of Nature	John Fry, B. A.	Job 39:19-30
The Horse	T. De Witt Talmage.	Job 39:19-30
The Hawk and the Eagle	W.F. Adeney	Job 39:26-30

People

Job

Places

Topics

Afar, Attentively, Behold, Detect, Distance, Eye, Prey, Seeketh, Sees, Sought, Spies, Spieth, Thence, Watching

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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