Understanding Ostrich: God’s Amazing Creation

What is an Ostrich?

The ostrich is a large, flightless bird native to the arid regions of the ancient Near East, noted in the Bible for its distinctive appearance and behaviors.

In the book of Job, God uses the ostrich’s parenting habits and speed to illustrate His creative wisdom (Job 39:13-18), emphasizing how even seemingly carefree creatures operate under divine design. Additionally, ostriches played a role in ancient ecosystems by dispersing seeds and serving as prey, reflecting the interconnectedness of God’s creation.

The Ostrich in Job 39:13-18

In Job 39:13-18, God uses the ostrich’s peculiar behaviors to underscore the wisdom inherent in His creation.

The passage notes the bird’s ability to ‘dash away from the sword’ and its seemingly neglectful parenting, where it ‘gives up its eggs to the wild or the ground’ (Job 39:14, 16). These traits, far from critiquing the ostrich, highlight God’s sovereign design: even creatures that appear to act in self-interest or carelessness operate within boundaries He has established. The text challenges human presumption, asking, ‘Who has given wisdom to the wild donkey? Or who has endowed the wild ox with understanding?’ (Job 39:17), implying no human can rival divine insight.

The passage looks at the ostrich’s mix of strength and apparent carelessness to encourage readers to consider the limits of human knowledge and the purpose found in creation’s details, setting up broader theological themes in the next verses.

Symbolism and Interpretive Challenges

The ostrich in Job 39:13-18 serves as a provocative symbol of God’s inscrutable design, challenging human assumptions about wisdom and care.

The passage describes the ostrich as seemingly neglectful of its eggs, stating it 'leaves her eggs to the sword' and 'gives up her young to the sword' (Job 39:15, 17). Some interpreters view this as a metaphor for human limitations in discerning divine purpose, while others argue the text highlights God’s sovereignty over creation’s paradoxes. The Hebrew word for 'sword' (חָרֶב) here may symbolize divine judgment or natural forces, complicating whether the ostrich’s behavior is portrayed as reckless or divinely orchestrated. This ambiguity invites readers to grapple with the tension between human expectations of order and the mysterious complexity of God’s creative will.

For modern readers, the ostrich’s depiction invites reflection on how God uses even 'imperfect' or unexpected behaviors to fulfill His purposes. Rather than condemning the bird’s actions, the text underscores that 'who has given wisdom to the wild donkey?' (Job 39:17), redirecting attention to the Creator’s ultimate authority. This sets the stage for Job’s broader meditation on humanity’s place within God’s vast and purposeful cosmos.

How to Read Ostrich References Correctly

To interpret the ostrich in Job 39:13-18 accurately, focus on its role in illustrating divine wisdom and human limitations.

First, avoid anthropomorphizing the bird: the text does not criticize the ostrich’s behavior but highlights its design, such as its 'wings that flap without gentleness' (Job 39:17). Second, contextualize ancient Near Eastern knowledge - ostriches were known for their speed and nesting habits, traits God uses to affirm His creative sovereignty. Third, connect the passage to Job’s broader themes, where God’s questions ('Who has given wisdom to the wild donkey?') challenge human presumption and underscore His unmatched authority over creation.

The ostrich’s portrayal invites readers to embrace mystery in God’s design. By noting its 'neglectful' parenting (Job 39:14-18), the text redirects attention to divine purpose rather than human judgment. This bridges to Job’s ultimate message: true wisdom lies in recognizing God’s supremacy over all aspects of life, including creatures that defy human expectations of care or order.

Going Deeper

To explore the ostrich’s role in Job 39:13-18 further, consider examining scholarly commentaries on the book of Job that analyze God’s rhetorical questions about creation.

Works such as Terence E. Fretheim’s *The Wisdom Literature* or Walter Brueggemann’s *Job* offer insights into how the ostrich’s behavior reflects divine sovereignty. Reflect on how God’s mastery over creation, even in forms that challenge human understanding, invites trust in His broader purposes (Job 39:13-18).