Job 39,40: These chapters illustrate a great principle of
nature: The innocent (ie, the wild goat, kid) often suffer and die so that the
cruel (ie, the lion, eagle) might live. God cares and provides for all His
creatures.
God especially cares and provides for all men -- He is not
willing that any should perish (2Pe 3:9; Joh 3:16,17). Sometimes the innocent
(Job) must suffer, that others (the three friends, and perhaps "Satan") might
learn and live. Job's experiences were but a shadow of Christ's sufferings on
behalf of sinners (Jam 5:10,11; Act 2:22-24; 8:13-15).
Also, contrast the present age (here) with future kingdom --
when the lion and the lamb will be at peace together (Isa 11:6-9).
MOUNTAIN GOATS: "Yael", from root "ya'al" = to ascend.
The "ibex", one of the loveliest, most agile, and most secretive animals (BAR
5:6:50,51).
Job 39:5
GO FREE... UNTIED HIS ROPES: Implanting in that species
its deep, instinctive love of freedom.
Job 39:7
HE DOES NOT HEAR A DRIVER'S SHOUT: The very opposite of
his tame brother.
Job 39:9
WILD OX: "Unicorn" (AV), "wild ox" (RV), or rhinoceros
(?) (LB 252). From rt "re'em", "to rise up, as a horn". Sym "exalted ones". Same
word in Deu 33:17; Num 23:22; 24:8; Psa 22:21; 29:6; 92:10; Isa 34:7. A figure
of great strength, embodying the power of death, closing in on Jesus in Psa
22:21.
Job 39:15
A picture of the foolish Pharisees, who do not care for young
ones, but "cast them out" (Joh 9:22,34). In ct to the wise eagle -- ie Christ
(vv 27-30).
Job 39:26
TOWARD THE SOUTH: In Mideast, the hawks go north in
pairs or straggling, at odd times. But they return south in great flocks, and so
are easily noticed (LB 326).