Job 39:18
What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
Job 39:18 (KJV)
Context
The book of Job is a poetic and philosophical exploration of human suffering and God’s sovereignty. Job, a righteous man, endures intense suffering, and his friends insist his trials must be punishment for sin. Job maintains his innocence and longs to present his case before God. In response, God speaks to Job from a whirlwind, posing a series of rhetorical questions that display His wisdom and power over creation.
This verse belongs to that divine speech, specifically within a passage about the ostrich. The bird is described as lacking wisdom—she leaves her eggs on the ground and treats her young harshly—yet God has equipped her with remarkable speed and strength. The immediate context highlights a striking contrast: a creature that seems foolish by human standards is still endowed by God with the ability to escape danger and even outrun a horse and rider.
Meaning
The Hebrew verb translated “lifteth up herself” suggests a sudden, powerful springing up, while “scorneth” conveys mocking or deriding. The ostrich, when she rises to run, treats the horse and its rider with contempt—not because she is arrogant, but because her God-given speed makes her superior in that moment. The verse emphasizes that physical strength and speed are divine gifts, not grounds for pride.
The irony is intentional: the ostrich, though lacking wisdom, possesses an ability that humbles human pride. This teaches that human strength and accomplishments do not equal wisdom or superiority. Even the most powerful creatures cannot match the wisdom and sovereignty of the Creator. The phrase “What time she lifteth up herself on high” also indicates that the ostrich’s elevation is within God’s purview; He alone has authority to exalt or humble any creature according to His purpose.
Biblical connections
God’s speech to Job repeatedly points to creation as evidence of His wisdom and power. The ostrich’s paradoxical design—foolish yet swift—demonstrates that God’s purposes are not limited by human standards of prudence. His power is displayed in the natural world, calling for humility and trust in His providence.
Application
As believers, we are called to cultivate humility before God and others. Recognizing our limitations and acknowledging God’s sovereignty guards against pride and fosters a healthy perspective on our achievements. Pursuing wisdom should be a priority, but true wisdom is rooted in reverence for God, not mere knowledge.
The phrase “What time she lifteth up herself on high” also implies that there is a right time for everything. We may be tempted to lift ourselves up or rush ahead of God’s timing, but trusting His perfect timing and aligning ourselves with His plans brings greater blessings and fulfillment. Job 39:18 reminds us of the limitations of human strength and wisdom, and it calls us to seek wisdom from God, trust in His timing, and recognize His sovereignty over all creation.
