Job 39:18 – “Yet when she spreads her feathers to run, she laughs at horse and rider.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Job 39:18, God is describing the ostrich’s unique strength and speed. Although the ostrich lacks the ability to fly, it has incredible speed on land. When the ostrich spreads its feathers and runs, it can outrun horses and riders, showing that it is a creature with remarkable power and agility. Here, God is pointing out that, despite its lack of wisdom or “good sense” (as mentioned in the previous verses), the ostrich has a strength and skill that surpasses other animals in certain ways.

This verse emphasizes that God has given each creature distinct gifts. The ostrich may seem foolish because it doesn’t fly or care for its young in the way we might expect, yet it has extraordinary speed and physical capabilities. This is a reminder that God has designed each part of creation with specific purposes and strengths, even when those strengths don’t align with our expectations.

Historical Context

In the ancient Middle Eastern and African regions, ostriches were well-known and admired for their speed and unique characteristics. People observed how the ostrich, though unable to fly, could run at incredible speeds, allowing it to escape predators quickly. The comparison to horses and riders would resonate with Job’s listeners, as horses represented speed and strength in ancient culture. By saying the ostrich “laughs at horse and rider,” God is highlighting that even this “foolish” creature has a strength that surpasses one of humanity’s greatest symbols of power and speed.

This description would have reminded Job’s audience of the uniqueness of the ostrich, a bird that defied expectations by using its wings for balance and speed on land rather than for flight. The ostrich’s abilities would serve as a visible reminder of the diversity in God’s creation, each creature displaying unique traits that reflect God’s wisdom and creativity.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Job 39:18 points to God’s wisdom in creating a world with diversity and purpose. God doesn’t make every creature to fit a single mold or to fulfill the same roles. Instead, He has designed each creature with specific traits, and even those that seem unusual or “foolish” to us have unique strengths. This verse encourages us to trust that God’s design for each part of creation is intentional and good, even when it doesn’t align with human expectations.

This verse also reminds believers of the importance of valuing others’ strengths, even when they differ from our own. Just as the ostrich has speed but not wisdom, each person is gifted in unique ways by God. We are called to appreciate these differences and recognize that God’s wisdom is far greater than our limited perspective.

Literary Analysis

In this verse, the phrase “she laughs at horse and rider” adds a touch of humor and irony. The ostrich, a seemingly odd and “foolish” bird, has the surprising ability to outrun one of the most respected animals in ancient times: the horse. This poetic imagery creates a striking contrast between what we might expect from the ostrich and its actual abilities, reminding readers of the unexpected ways in which God’s creation displays strength.

The language in this verse highlights God’s creativity and sense of irony. By pointing out that the ostrich, a creature with “no wisdom,” can outrun horses, the verse invites readers to see the surprising power in things that might initially seem weak or strange. This poetic contrast emphasizes the mystery and depth of God’s creation.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” This verse aligns with the theme that God’s ways often defy human expectations, using the unexpected to reveal His wisdom.
• Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” This verse speaks to God’s provision of strength, much like the ostrich’s unique abilities.
• Psalm 104:24 – “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all.” This verse praises God’s wisdom and creativity in designing a world full of variety and purpose.

These references reinforce the idea that God’s wisdom is far above human understanding and that He can use even unexpected strengths to fulfill His purposes.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Job 39:18 serves as a reminder to appreciate the unique gifts God has given to each person. Just as the ostrich, with its surprising speed, has its own strengths, each of us has been created with unique abilities and purposes. This verse encourages us to value the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, recognizing that God’s design is intentional and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

This verse also teaches us not to judge based on appearances or first impressions. The ostrich may seem foolish at first glance, but it possesses a strength that surpasses even the horse. As Christians, we are called to see others through God’s eyes, looking beyond outward traits to the gifts and strengths each person holds.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Job 39:18 reflects God’s love by showing that He values each creature He has made, even those that don’t meet human standards of “wisdom” or “usefulness.” God has given the ostrich a unique design that allows it to survive and thrive in its own way. This verse speaks to a Creator who takes joy in the diversity of His creation, lovingly giving each creature strengths and abilities suited to its role.

This verse also demonstrates God’s patience and understanding. He doesn’t criticize the ostrich for its differences; instead, He celebrates its unique abilities. This reflects God’s love for each of us, accepting us as we are and seeing value in our unique gifts, even if they seem different from what the world expects.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

In Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate example of God’s wisdom, which often goes beyond human understanding. Jesus taught that God’s kingdom values those who might be overlooked or underestimated by the world. In Matthew 11:25, Jesus praises God for revealing truth to those who are humble rather than the “wise and learned.” This mirrors the lesson of Job 39:18, where God highlights a creature with unexpected strengths.

Jesus also shows us that God values each person uniquely, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul speaks of the different gifts given to believers, saying that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” Just as God designed the ostrich with unique abilities, He has given each person unique gifts in Christ, all of which serve a purpose in His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the image of the ostrich’s surprising speed challenge our understanding of God’s design in creation?
2. What does this verse teach us about trusting God’s wisdom, even when it doesn’t match human expectations?
3. How can Job 39:18 encourage us to appreciate the unique strengths in ourselves and others?
4. In what ways does Jesus’s teaching on humility and diversity of gifts deepen our understanding of God’s design?
5. How does this verse encourage us to look beyond appearances and value the strengths that God has given to each person?

Reflecting on Job 39:18, we are reminded of God’s wisdom and creativity in all of creation. This verse invites us to trust in His design, appreciating the unique strengths and gifts He has given to each of us, even when they don’t fit the world’s expectations.