Job 39:19
Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
Original Language Analysis
הֲתִתֵּ֣ן
Hast thou given
H5414
הֲתִתֵּ֣ן
Hast thou given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
גְּבוּרָ֑ה
strength
H1369
גְּבוּרָ֑ה
strength
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
3 of 6
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
הֲתַלְבִּ֖ישׁ
hast thou clothed
H3847
הֲתַלְבִּ֖ישׁ
hast thou clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Horses in ancient Near East were associated with warfare and royal power. Their strength and majesty impressed ancient peoples. God's question demonstrates that even magnificent creatures like warhorses—symbols of human military might—owe their attributes to divine creation. This humbles human pretensions to power and challenges Job to recognize that the God who creates horses with strength and majesty governs all with similar wisdom and care.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating God's creative power in animals lead to worship and humility?
- What does the horse's God-given strength teach about recognizing divine sovereignty in all creation?
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks: 'Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?' The verb natan (נָתַן, given) means to give or bestow. Gevurah (גְּבוּרָה, strength) denotes might or power. The phrase 'clothed his neck with thunder' (halvish tsavaro ra'mah, הֲלָבִישׁ צַוָּארוֹ רַעְמָה) poetically describes the horse's mane as thunderous—perhaps referring to sound of galloping or appearance of flowing mane. God's question highlights that He alone creates and endows creatures with abilities. Job cannot create or bestow attributes; he can only observe and admire divine craftsmanship.