Job 39:23
The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
Original Language Analysis
עָ֭לָיו
H5921
עָ֭לָיו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לַ֖הַב
against him the glittering
H3851
לַ֖הַב
against him the glittering
Strong's:
H3851
Word #:
4 of 6
a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon
Historical Context
Battle's sensory overload—sounds, sights, smells—would overwhelm creatures not specifically designed for it. The war-horse's selective attentiveness demonstrated divine wisdom in equipping creatures for specific purposes. This would encourage readers that God gives grace matching each calling.
Questions for Reflection
- What distractions should you ignore while remaining sensitive to God's direction?
- How does God's selective equipping encourage confidence in your specific calling?
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Analysis & Commentary
"The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield." Weapons and armor rattle as the horse charges—sounds that would frighten normal animals. The war-horse ignores these, focused on its purpose. God designed selective sensitivity—attuned to rider's commands but indifferent to battle's chaos. This teaches that divine calling includes grace to ignore certain distractions and fears while remaining responsive to proper authority.