Job 39:15 – “She forgets that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 39:15, God continues His description of the ostrich, noting its unusual behavior of laying eggs on the ground, seemingly oblivious to the danger they face. The ostrich, in its natural instinct, leaves its eggs exposed, unaware or unconcerned that they could be easily crushed by feet or trampled by wild animals. This behavior seems careless to human eyes, but God is pointing out that He has made the ostrich with a different nature, one that doesn’t involve the same level of care and protection over its offspring as other animals might display.
Through this image, God is teaching Job about the vastness and variety of creation. The ostrich’s behavior might seem strange or even foolish, but it serves as a reminder that God has crafted every creature with unique instincts and traits. Even though the ostrich may not protect its young in a way that humans consider wise, God’s design is intentional, even in creatures that don’t follow human expectations.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, people observed animals closely, especially unique creatures like the ostrich, known for its unusual behaviors and enormous size. The ostrich’s habit of laying its eggs on the ground in open spaces would have been a familiar sight to Job and his community. Unlike most birds that protectively nest high up or in concealed places, the ostrich seemed almost indifferent to the potential dangers its young might face.
For Job and his listeners, this description of the ostrich’s behavior would have been striking, illustrating a creature that didn’t follow the “common sense” behaviors seen in other birds or animals. By highlighting this, God underscores that His creation is diverse and that He has created each animal, even those that seem foolish or vulnerable, with a purpose.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 39:15 emphasizes God’s wisdom and sovereignty in designing creation with a diversity of behaviors and instincts. This verse points out that even the aspects of creation that appear “unwise” to humans are intentional in God’s design. It challenges us to trust that God’s understanding of creation is complete, even when it doesn’t fit our own logic or expectations.
This verse also reminds believers of human limitations in fully comprehending God’s ways. The ostrich’s behavior appears careless, but God’s purpose in its design goes beyond human reasoning. For believers, this encourages humility and the recognition that our wisdom is limited compared to God’s infinite knowledge.
Literary Analysis
In Job 39:15, the phrase “She forgets that a foot may crush them” creates an image of vulnerability, portraying the ostrich’s eggs as easily harmed. The words “forget” and “trample” emphasize both the ostrich’s lack of typical maternal instinct and the precariousness of its offspring. This poetic language creates a contrast between human ideas of caution and responsibility and the natural behavior of the ostrich, which operates outside those norms.
God’s choice to highlight the ostrich’s behavior serves as a reminder that not all creatures are governed by the same instincts or “common sense.” This language builds on the larger theme of God’s speech to Job, where He uses various animals to show the breadth of His wisdom and the diversity of His creation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. This passage reminds us that God’s understanding is beyond human logic, aligning with the unconventional nature of the ostrich.
- Psalm 104:24 – “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” This verse praises God’s wisdom in creating a world full of diverse creatures, each with a unique design.
- 1 Corinthians 1:25 – “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.” This verse reinforces that even what may seem foolish or strange in God’s creation holds a wisdom far greater than human understanding.
These cross-references remind us that God’s wisdom is far above our own and that His ways in creation are intentional and purposeful, even when they don’t make sense to us.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 39:15 is a reminder that God’s design is not limited to human expectations. Just as the ostrich follows its unique instincts without worrying about human standards, each person is created with a specific role and purpose that may not always align with human ideas of wisdom or common sense. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom, knowing that He sees the bigger picture even when we don’t understand.
This verse also encourages believers not to judge by appearances alone. Just as the ostrich’s behavior might seem foolish to us, we should be cautious in making judgments based on our limited perspective. God’s ways are often beyond our comprehension, and He can use even what seems strange or unusual to fulfill His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Job 39:15 reflects God’s love and care in creating each creature uniquely. He allows the ostrich to live according to its own nature, showing that He values the differences and diversity within His creation. God’s love is evident in the way He designs each creature to function according to its own instincts, even if those instincts seem unconventional to humans. This speaks to a Creator who values each creature, even those that seem vulnerable or different.
This verse also shows that God’s love is patient and understanding. He doesn’t require every part of His creation to act according to human expectations. Instead, He allows each creature to be as it is, reflecting His love for all things, even those we might see as weak or unwise.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus taught often about God’s care for all aspects of creation, encouraging His followers to trust that God knows and provides for all needs. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus says that even sparrows are not forgotten by God, emphasizing that every creature is known and valued by Him. Just as God has a place and purpose for each creature, Jesus teaches that God cares deeply for each of us, regardless of our perceived strengths or weaknesses.
In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul writes, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” This principle echoes the message in Job 39:15, where the seemingly “foolish” behavior of the ostrich is part of God’s wisdom. Through Jesus, we see that God values all things, even those that the world might overlook or see as weak, and that He uses each for His purposes.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the image of the ostrich’s vulnerability challenge our understanding of God’s wisdom in creation?
- What does this verse teach us about trusting in God’s design, even when it doesn’t align with human expectations?
- How can Job 39:15 encourage us to value diversity in God’s creation, even in what might seem unusual or weak?
- In what ways does Jesus’s teaching on God’s care for all creatures help us see God’s love for even the seemingly vulnerable parts of creation?
- How does this verse encourage us to trust God’s wisdom over our own understanding, especially in challenging situations?
Reflecting on Job 39:15, we are reminded of God’s wisdom, care, and intentional design in all creation. This verse encourages us to trust in His purpose, knowing that He values each creature and person He has made, even when we don’t fully understand His ways.