The Lord presents images of the glory of life in relation to Job’s appeal for death. He asks Job if has mastery over the mountain goat, who thrives at heights which confound our sense of logic. He then queries if Job knows the mountain goat’s gestation or “calving” of the gazelles who sprint across the plains. The point is that the animal kingdom is an immaculate wonder!
The Lord puts aside the complexities of mankind, which highlights how even his lesser kingdoms are infinite in their majesty. Job is led to recognize the extent of man’s knowledge as he has just one lifetime to take in lessons.
In somewhat violent poetic imagery, the Lord describes how mothers crouch down, split open, and through them bursts forth life. They bring their young into a harsh world, many of which will grow and become strong. This is symbolic in multiple ways. There comes a time, where it is right to leave one’s parents and chart one’s own course – but we must keep in mind to do it in God’s way. Animals do not have this ability. Instead, they go forth by a virtue of a biological imperative. Further, those who chose to live without God are metaphorically thrown to animalistic chaos.
Canst Thou Bind the Unicorn?, reads the King James in a controversial translation. The term translated (re’em) is not technically correct. However, the Church of England scholars who approved said term, make the point quite well. The mythical Unicorn appears to be a docile creature, but if approached, will NOT be tamed.
God has imbued some animals with a spirit no man can break. Such mysteries can be appreciated, if not understood. If you corral, say a rhinoceros, man quickly learns a harsh lesson. Each creature has been accorded a nature and habitat. Some are made for the jungles others the steppes. Some dwell in barren areas. None of us have power to control the animals God has placed beyond man’s control.
One can ponder: what world would you create if given the chance? Could you imagine starting from scratch and coming up with the balance of the world we have? An author who pursued this concept is Robert Coover, in his novel from 1968 -- the Universal Baseball Association.
The Lord turns to the World of Birds to further make His point. Behold, the Ostrich, who flaps her wings so joyously! She beats them as if she expects to take off like the peacock, an odd bird you might not expect to see fly. Who knows why God allowed the Peacock to fly but not the Ostrich? Perhaps by reason of a sense of humor passed to all of us -- made in His image.
Continuing with the Ostrich, the Lord remarks how mothers of this species often leave their eggs unprotected. She allows the eggs to be warmed by the sun, instead of her feathers. She forgets about the danger of predators and accidents. God’s nature has hardened her to the possibility. She has not been imbued with the wisdom we have. Without fear, all her labor can be rendered in vain. But how she races free when unencumbered and scoffs at animals that allow riders!
God then turns to the horse. The Lord asks if Job clothed his neck with thunder and made his snort a majestic strike of terror. Think of the great clamor a horse makes as he churns up the valley, swallowing the ground with every gallop. The Lord has made it so the horse will run into death before an enemy. He will meet the clash of arms, scoffing at fear. He ignores any trumpet or meant to distract him.
The Lord then turns to the air. He asks, Does the Hawk soar by Your wisdom and spread her wings? By Your command does the Eagle set her nest on the Heights and seeks her pray, and feed her babes. What Wondrous masters of the air His creature are!
It is a lesson to appreciate the majesties and glory of God and to be humble to recognize how little authority we have over the natural world.