Job 39:3 Study Bible: They bow themselves, they bring forth their young, they end their labor pains.

◄ Job 39:3 ►

They crouch down and bring forth their young; they deliver their newborn.

They crouch down
This phrase describes the posture of animals during the birthing process. The Hebrew root word here is "kara," which means to bend or stoop. This imagery evokes a sense of humility and submission to the natural order established by God. In the broader context of Job, it serves as a reminder of the intricate design and wisdom inherent in creation, which operates independently of human intervention. The act of crouching down symbolizes readiness and the instinctual obedience to God's ordained processes.

and bring forth their young
The Hebrew word for "bring forth" is "yalad," which means to bear or give birth. This phrase highlights the miracle of life and the continuation of species as part of God's providential care. It underscores the idea that God is intimately involved in the processes of life, ensuring that each creature fulfills its purpose. The birth of young animals is a testament to God's sustaining power and His attention to even the smallest details of creation.

they deliver their newborn
The term "deliver" in Hebrew is "chul," which can also mean to whirl or dance, suggesting the dynamic and sometimes tumultuous nature of birth. This phrase emphasizes the successful completion of the birthing process, a moment of triumph and new beginnings. In the context of Job, it serves as a metaphor for hope and renewal, even amidst suffering and uncertainty. The delivery of newborns is a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and the promise of life continuing despite the trials faced by Job.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book explores themes of God's sovereignty and human suffering.

2. God
The speaker in this passage, addressing Job directly. God is revealing His wisdom and power in creation, emphasizing His control over the natural world.

3. Wild Animals
The context of Job 39 includes God's discourse on the natural instincts and behaviors of wild animals, illustrating His providence and care for all creation.

4. Creation
The broader context of Job 38-39 highlights God's creative power and the intricate design of the natural world, which is beyond human understanding.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where many of these animals live and give birth, symbolizing the untamed and uncontrollable aspects of God's creation.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Creation
God's control over the natural processes, such as the birth of wild animals, demonstrates His supreme authority and wisdom.

Trust in God's Providence
Just as God cares for the animals, He cares for us. We can trust Him to provide for our needs, even when we do not understand His ways.

Humility Before God's Wisdom
Recognizing the complexity and order of creation should lead us to humility, acknowledging that God's wisdom far surpasses our understanding.

The Value of Life
The care God shows for the birth and life of animals reflects the value He places on all life, encouraging us to respect and cherish His creation.

God's Presence in the Wilderness
Even in the untamed and wild places of life, God is present and active, reminding us that no part of our lives is beyond His reach.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's care for the animals in Job 39:3 help us trust Him with our own needs and concerns?

2. In what ways can we see God's wisdom and power in the natural world around us today?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Job 39 challenge our perspective on the trials and uncertainties we face?

4. What practical steps can we take to demonstrate our trust in God's providence in our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's care for creation to our stewardship of the environment and the resources He has given us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 104
This psalm praises God for His creation and providence, similar to the themes in Job 39, highlighting 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 all His creation, as seen in Job 39.

Isaiah 40:26
This verse speaks of God's power and wisdom in creation, echoing the themes of God's sovereignty and knowledge in Job 39.

Sermons

The Study of Zoology a Religious Duty	Homilist	Job 39:1-4
The Creatures not Dependent Upon Man	R. Green	Job 39:1-30

People

Job

Places

Topics

Bent, Birth, Body, Bow, Bring, Cast, Crouch, Delivered, Ended, Forth, Fruit, Kneel, Labor, Loose, Offspring, Ones, Pains, Pangs, Rid, Safely, Sorrows, Themselves

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Job 39:1-30

1305 God, activity of

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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