Job 38:39-40

Second division JOB IS CONFRONTED WITH THE ANIMAL WORLD, OF WHICH MAN IS THE HEAD AND MONARCH; WITH THE MYSTERY OF LIFE, ITS PROPAGATION AND PRESERVATION; AND WITH THE UNERRING AND INFINITELY VARIED LAWS OF THE WORLD OF INSTINCT, Job 38:39 to Job 39:30.

First long strophe BEASTS OF THE FIELD AND BIRDS OF THE AIR ARE ALIKE OBJECTS OF GOD’S FATHERLY CARE A CARE WHICH NOT ONLY PROVIDES THEM WITH FOOD, BUT WATCHES OVER THEM DURING THE WHOLE PERIOD OF GESTATION, Job 38:39 to Job 39:8.

In the following three long strophes the discussion is directed to the goodness of God.

α . Job is asked whether such as he would ever have provided meat for beasts and birds, for instance, such representatives of the brute world as the greedy lion and the carrion raven, Job 38:39-41.

39, 40. As Jehovah now proceeds to speak of the mysteries of the animal kingdom, some (Luther) would make the 39th verse the beginning of a new chapter. The king of beasts is mentioned first. Canst thou comprehend the instinct of the lioness, that guides her in taking prey for her whelps? or instruct the young lions how to provide food for themselves? They are taught like soldiers to “lurk” in ambush. See note Job 4:11.