Job 39:28
She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
Original Language Analysis
סֶ֝֗לַע
of the rock
H5553
סֶ֝֗לַע
of the rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
1 of 7
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
יִ֭שְׁכֹּן
She dwelleth
H7931
יִ֭שְׁכֹּן
She dwelleth
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
2 of 7
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
וְיִתְלֹנָ֑ן
and abideth
H3885
וְיִתְלֹנָ֑ן
and abideth
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
3 of 7
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
עַ֥ל
H5921
עַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֶׁן
upon the crag
H8127
שֶׁן
upon the crag
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
5 of 7
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
Historical Context
Eagles in the biblical world were observed nesting on virtually inaccessible cliff faces, beyond reach of predators or humans. This made eagles symbols of security, strength, and freedom. God's question implies: who teaches eagles to select such strategic locations and build nests that endure for generations on precarious perches?
Questions for Reflection
- How does dwelling in God as your 'rock and strong place' provide security in life's precarious circumstances?
- What spiritual perspective do you gain from 'dwelling on high' with God rather than remaining on comfortable, earthly plains?
- In what ways is God calling you to build your life in places that seem harsh or inaccessible but provide divine security?
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Analysis & Commentary
God shifts to the eagle, describing its habitat selection. 'Dwelleth and abideth on the rock' (shakan yitlonan sela, שָׁכַן יִתְלֹנָן סֶלַע) emphasizes permanent residence in harsh, inaccessible locations. 'Crag of the rock and the strong place' (shen-sela, שֶׁן־סֶלַע) uses vocabulary suggesting tooth-like projections—sharp, dangerous cliff faces that provide security. The threefold emphasis (rock, crag, strong place) underscores the eagle's choice of seemingly uninhabitable heights for safety. This verse reveals divine wisdom in instinct—God teaches eagles to build in locations that provide both security and strategic advantage. Theologically, this serves as metaphor for believers dwelling in God as their rock and fortress (Psalm 18:2). The eagle's high dwelling also symbolizes spiritual perspective that comes from being established in God rather than earthly comforts. Those who wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:31), gaining both security and perspective.