Job 39:15
And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭תִּשְׁכַּח
And forgetteth
H7911
וַ֭תִּשְׁכַּח
And forgetteth
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
1 of 7
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רֶ֣גֶל
that the foot
H7272
רֶ֣גֶל
that the foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
3 of 7
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וְחַיַּ֖ת
beast
H2416
וְחַיַּ֖ת
beast
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Historical Context
Ancient peoples would find the ostrich's apparent carelessness puzzling. Yet ostriches flourished in their harsh environments. This demonstrated that God's protection doesn't always mean eliminating danger but enabling creatures to fulfill their purposes despite it. This would encourage those facing unavoidable dangers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's design that accepts risk challenge safety-obsessed modern culture?
- What divinely ordained purposes might require you to embrace risk rather than avoid it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them." The ostrich's ground nesting exposes eggs to danger—crushing or predation. Yet the species survives and thrives. God's design includes accepting risk within His sovereign protection. Not all divine wisdom seeks to eliminate danger; sometimes it equips creatures to thrive despite it. This challenges risk-averse thinking, teaching that faith may require embracing dangerous paths under divine direction.