Job 39:25
He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
Original Language Analysis
בְּדֵ֤י
among
H1767
בְּדֵ֤י
among
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
1 of 10
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
שֹׁפָ֨ר׀
the trumpets
H7782
שֹׁפָ֨ר׀
the trumpets
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
2 of 10
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וּֽ֭מֵרָחוֹק
afar off
H7350
וּֽ֭מֵרָחוֹק
afar off
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
5 of 10
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
יָרִ֣יחַ
and he smelleth
H7306
יָרִ֣יחַ
and he smelleth
Strong's:
H7306
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
the battle
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
the battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
7 of 10
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
Historical Context
War horses were immensely valuable in ancient warfare, requiring years of specialized training and breeding. Their willingness to charge into battle despite arrows, spears, and noise was considered almost supernatural. God's question asks Job who gives horses this contrary-to-nature courage—the answer being divine design that prepares creatures for their appointed purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'battles' has God prepared you for that require courage contrary to natural self-preservation?
- How does the war horse's eager response to the trumpet challenge your response to God's call to difficult service?
- In what ways do you need God to give you the courage to run toward danger rather than seek comfort and safety?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's description of the war horse reaches its climax with this vivid portrayal of battle eagerness. 'He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha' (be-dei shopar hach, בְּדֵי שׁוֹפָר הֶאָח) captures the horse's excited response to the battle trumpet—almost laughing or snorting with anticipation. 'Smelleth the battle afar off' (reyach milchamah, רֵיחַ מִלְחָמָה) means literally to perceive by scent, suggesting the horse senses conflict before visible signs appear. 'Thunder of the captains and the shouting' (ra'am sarim, רַעַם שָׂרִים) refers to commanders' battle cries and troops' war shouts. This verse reveals a creature designed to rush toward danger rather than flee from it—contrary to natural self-preservation. The theological implication is profound: God creates some beings with courage and purpose that transcends survival instinct. This points to humanity's higher calling to risk comfort and safety for kingdom purposes. The horse's joy in battle also anticipates Revelation's white horse whose rider brings righteous judgment (Revelation 19:11-14).