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Abstract
This study examines the structure and significance of the “ostrich” and war horse pericopae of Job 39:13–25. It brings to light the literary structure debate of the animal discourse of Job 38:39–39:30, while positing that the overall paired structure of the second half of the first divine speech in Job 38:39–39:30 is the most viable and fruitful for sourcing deeper meaning. This is accomplished by featuring the fourth of the five paired animals, the “ostrich” and war horse of Job 39:13–25.
In the introductory chapter, issues of dating of the Book of Job as well as the designation of genre of the divine speeches are addressed. A full exegesis is then conducted of the Hebrew translation of both pericopae. Through this analysis various important issues are raised and addressed, most pertinent are those surrounding the authenticity of the “ostrich” pericope, along with the difficulties in the translation of the hapax legomenon [special characters omitted]. Following the establishment of the significance of [special characters omitted] as a joyous creature, various terms and concepts are analyzed demonstrating that the “ostrich” serves as a pedagogical illustration to Job that challenges his perceptions of creation. The third chapter is dedicated to the brave and mighty war horse. The war horse pericope is noted for its distinct and effective use of literary devices as well as its usage of “theophanic,” “war,” and “fear” language that all demonstrate its “correct” character and demeanor to Job in the perilous context of war. The heart of this study is found in the fourth chapter where the “ostrich” and war horse are compared and contrasted. It is here that the connection between these two animals is made evident through the use of similar language throughout both pericopes and shared concepts and attributes of “violence,” fearlessness, and confidence are brought to light. Through both the shared and dissimilar aspects of the two pericopae, the contribution of the pairing emerges.
Fundamental to this analysis is the belief that the animals, both individually and as paired units, teach Job about correct posture in suffering. The ostrich serves as a pedagogical illustration of joy amid suffering and demonstrates that there is hope of exaltation out of one’s dismal circumstance. Similarly, the war horse serves as an illustration of fearlessness, bravery, and steadfastness during the perils of life. Together, they represent a reevaluated and reimagined world, which challenge Job to a new insight about creation and his place in it. Therefore, in order to more fully understand the overall meaning of the animal discourse, it is only appropriate that the potential for future research, which is contained in the final chapter, surround the remaining four pairings of the animal discourse.
