Job 39:20

Canst thou make him afraid as a grashopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. Job 39:20 (KJV)

The book of Job is a poetic and philosophical exploration of human suffering and God’s sovereignty. Job, a righteous man, endures the loss of wealth, family, and health, and in his anguish he questions God’s justice. In chapter 39 God answers from the whirlwind, challenging Job’s understanding of the created order and reminding him of divine wisdom and power.

In verse 20 God asks, “Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper?” and adds, “the glory of his nostrils is terrible.” The analogy highlights the strength and fearlessness of the horse, suggesting that no human can make such a creature tremble as a tiny grasshopper might. This comparison serves to humble Job and to underscore the limits of human authority over God’s magnificent creations.

The horse is a powerful and majestic animal frequently mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing strength, speed, and courage. God draws attention to the pronounced flaring of the horse’s nostrils—described as “the pride of his nostrils” in one rendering—to emphasize the animal’s awe‑inspiring appearance. The vivid image reinforces the horse’s magnificence and its superiority to human control.

Spiritual lessons from Job 39:20 include:

• a. Humility before God – The whirlwind dialogue reveals the vast gap between human understanding and divine wisdom, urging believers to approach God with reverence and acknowledge His infinite power.
• b. God’s sovereignty over creation – The verse showcases God as the creator of all things, including the majestic horse, and affirms His intimate involvement in the natural world.
• c. Trust in God’s wisdom – When suffering prompts questions about divine justice, God’s response reminds us that His ways surpass human comprehension, encouraging trust in His sovereign plan.
• d. Appreciation of God’s handiwork – The passage invites believers to marvel at the beauty and wonder of creation, seeing God’s glory in the intricate details of the natural world.

Overall, Job 39:20 reminds us of our limitations, the supremacy of God’s sovereignty, and the need for humility and trust. It calls us to recognize the magnificence of God’s creation and to approach Him with awe and reverence.