Job 39

1. Knowest thou, etc.? “Knowing” seems to be used here, as elsewhere, in the sense of watching over and providing for them; and to “number the months” means to appoint the number.

3 they cast out their sorrows. Or, “cast away their pains.”

4 are in good liking. Rather, “grow fat,” or “robust.”

7 the multitude. Rather, “the tumult,” or “noise.”

9 the unicorn. i.e., the wild ox: see note on Numb. xxiii. 22.

13. Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks, etc.? Rather, “The wing of the ostriches exults! Is it a kindly pinion and plumage?”

14. Which leaveth, etc. Rather, “For she leaveth,” etc. The ostrich forms a nest in the sand of the desert, the heat of which supplies the want of continuous incubation.

17 neither hath He imparted to her understanding. The folly of the ostrich is proverbial in the East.

18. She scorneth the horse and his rider. The ostrich is so swift that it is scarcely possible to capture it by direct pursuit.

19. Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Rather, “with trembling”—the nervous tremor in every part of the neck when the warhorse is roused for action.

20. Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? Or, “make him leap as a locust?” (R.V.): ep. Joel ii. 4.

The glory of his nostrils. Or, “The majesty of his snorting.”

23 the shield. Rather, “javelin.”

24. Neither believeth he, etc. Like a person overjoyed.

25. Ha! ha! Or, “At every trumpet-blast he says He-ah!” i.e., he neighs exultingly.

26 stretch her wings towards the south. Referring to the migratory habits of the bird.