Listening Points (Before Reading):
God speaks! What does God say about Job’s understanding of creation? How does He use nature to show His power? Notice how God’s questions reveal Job’s limitations and God’s greatness.
Narration/Handwriting (K-2nd):
God tells Job that he is small compared to God. God explains how He cares for all, and says Job should trust Him because of His wisdom and power.
Observations and Questions:
Job 38: God begins His response with a challenge to Job, highlighting Job’s ignorance and weakness. God asks rhetorical questions about the creation and maintenance of the world, emphasizing that Job knows nothing of the earth’s foundation, the sea’s boundaries, or the mysteries of light, darkness, weather, and stars. If Job cannot understand these basic works of nature, he cannot judge God’s higher purposes.
- How does this chapter remind Job of his limitations?
[Job is shown to be small and powerless compared to God’s wisdom and might.] - What does God say about Job’s ability to understand the foundations of the earth?
[Job cannot understand how the earth was created, because only God has that knowledge (v. 4-7).] - How does God describe His control over the sea and its boundaries?
[God set limits for the sea and told it where to stop (v. 8–11).] - Why does God talk about the weather and stars?
[To show Job that he has no control or knowledge of how these things are governed (v. 22–33).]
Job 39: God continues by discussing various animals and their behaviors, which Job cannot explain or control. From the wild goats to the eagle, God demonstrates His care for all creatures, pointing out Job’s ignorance of their nature. This chapter reinforces the idea that Job should trust God, who manages all things with perfect wisdom and compassion.
- What does God say about the care of wild goats and hinds?
[God provides for them and ensures their young grow strong (v. 1-4).] - Why does God mention the wild ass and the unicorn?
[To show that Job cannot tame or control them, but God cares for them (v. 5–12).] - How does God describe the strength and bravery of the horse?
[The horse is powerful, fearless in battle, and designed by God for its role (v. 19–25).] - What does God say about the hawk and the eagle?
[God gives them the ability to fly and find food; they act by His design (v. 26–30).]