Scroll to the bottom for thoughts/discussion questions!
One-sentence summary: God answers Job out of a whirlwind, asks Job a series of questions, and describes His awesome creation, with special focus on the war horse.
The Lord comes to Job out of a whirlwind and answers him.
He begins by asking: "Who is this who darkens counsel with words without understanding?" At first we may think He is talking to Elihu, but God seems to be agreeing with him that Job's words lack sense. Also, later, when Job responds, it is clear that he knows God is speaking to him.
God tells Job: "Prepare yourself like a man: I will question you, and you will answer Me." He proceeds to ask Job where Job was when God created the world, when He "laid [its[ foundations." He describes how He created the sea and set its limits, how He "commanded the morning." He asks Job if he has seen the gates of death, or if he knows where light and darkness dwell, if he has seen where snow and hail are reserved, or how the east wind is "scattered over the earth." Has Job made a path for the stream or thunderbolts? Who made the rain and the dew? Who formed the ice and frost? Does Job have power over the constellations? Does Job "guide the great bear with her cubs," tell the clouds to rain, or send out the lightning? Who has put wisdom in the mind and understanding in the heart? Who makes sure the lion and the raven have food when they cry out to God?
Does Job know the specific times when the mountain goats or deer give birth? Who "sets the wild donkey free," and who does "the wild ox serve?" Who created the ostrich with a lack of common sense? God describes how the ostrich is proud but leaves her young undefended as if they were not hers, how she "lifts herself high and scorns the horse and rider." And speaking of the horse... Did Job give the horse his strength? God praises the horse for his strength and fearlessness. He says the horse "rejoices at his strength," mocks at fear, and is "not frightened by the sword" but "devours... distance with fierceness and rage" and runs boldly into battle. Does the hawk fly by Job's wisdom, the eagle mount at his command? Does he nest on high because Job made him do so? God ends these chapters by describing how the eagle sees its prey from afar and can be found "where the slain are."
Thoughts/Questions:
It may seem like a minor point to some, but it becomes clear in these chapters that God loves nature; He loves everything He has created and greatly rejoices in it. Nature reveals God's wisdom in so many ways!
How often do you look at nature and praise God? How often do you look in the mirror and do this? (We are part of nature!)