◄ Job 39:4 ►
Their young ones thrive and grow up in the open field; they leave and do not return.
Study Bible
Their young ones
This phrase refers to the offspring of wild animals, specifically those mentioned earlier in the chapter, such as the wild donkey and the wild ox. In the Hebrew text, the word for "young ones" is "עֲוִילֵיהֶם" (avilayhem), which emphasizes the natural and instinctual growth of these creatures. The imagery here is of innocence and the natural order established by God, where even the young of wild animals are cared for by divine providence.

thrive and grow up
The Hebrew words "יֶעֶשׂוּ" (ye'asu) and "יִגְדְּלוּ" (yigdelu) convey a sense of flourishing and maturing. This reflects the idea that God's creation is self-sustaining and that He has instilled within it the ability to prosper. The thriving of these young animals in the wild symbolizes the abundance and sufficiency of God's provision, even in the absence of human intervention.

in the open field
The phrase "בַּבָּקָע" (babaka) refers to the open, uncultivated spaces of the wilderness. This setting highlights the freedom and independence of the creatures, living in the vastness of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the majesty and expansiveness of the natural world, which operates under God's sovereign care.

they leave and do not return
The Hebrew "יָצְאוּ וְלֹא יָשׁוּבוּ" (yatze'u velo yashuvu) suggests a natural progression from dependence to independence. This reflects the cycle of life ordained by God, where creatures are born, mature, and eventually move on to fulfill their roles in the ecosystem. It underscores the wisdom and orderliness of God's creation, where each creature knows its place and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. The book explores themes of divine justice and human suffering.

2. God
The speaker in this passage, addressing Job. God is highlighting His wisdom and power in creation, contrasting it with human understanding.

3. Wild Animals
The context of Job 39 involves God describing various animals and their behaviors, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation.

4. Open Field
Represents the natural world where animals live independently, highlighting God's provision and the natural order He established.

5. Young Ones
Refers to the offspring of wild animals, illustrating the cycle of life and independence in God's creation.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
God is the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. Just as He cares for the young animals, He cares for us.

Independence and Growth
The natural progression of life involves growth and independence. We are called to mature in our faith and trust in God's provision.

Trust in God's Provision
Just as the young animals thrive without returning to their parents, we can trust that God will provide for our needs as we step out in faith.

The Wisdom of God
God's wisdom is beyond human understanding. We are reminded to humble ourselves and trust in His perfect plan.

The Cycle of Life
Life involves seasons of dependence and independence. Recognizing God's hand in each stage can bring peace and assurance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's care for the young animals in Job 39:4 enhance your trust in His provision for your life?

2. In what ways can you see the sovereignty of God in the natural world around you, as described in Job 39?

3. How does the independence of the young animals relate to your spiritual growth and maturity?

4. What other scriptures remind you of God's provision and care, and how do they reinforce the message of Job 39:4?

5. How can you apply the lessons of God's wisdom and sovereignty in creation to your current life circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 104
This psalm praises God for His creation and providence, similar to the themes in Job 39, where God's care for all creatures is evident.

Matthew 6:26
Jesus speaks about God's provision for the birds, which parallels the idea of God's care for the young animals in Job 39:4.

Genesis 1:24-25
The creation account where God creates animals, establishing His authority and care over all living creatures.
Sermons
The Study of Zoology a Religious DutyHomilistJob 39:1-4
The Creatures not Dependent Upon ManR. Green Job 39:1-30
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Corn, Field, Forth, Grow, Leave, Liking, Offspring, Ones, Open, Return, Returned, Safe, Strong, Wax, Wilds
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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