The Silent Strength of the Wild: Lessons from the Ostrich
"He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver." - Job 39:7

In the book of Job, we find a rich tapestry of poetic discourse regarding the majesty of God's creation and His sovereignty over all living beings. Job 39:7 provides a stark image of the ostrich, stating: "He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver." This verse invites us to reflect upon the nature of the ostrich, a creature seemingly distant from human concerns, and how it can teach us profound lessons about our own lives, God’s creation, and our relationship with Him.
The ostrich is a magnificent bird, known for its incredible speed and imposing stature. Although it is incapable of flight, God has endowed it with attributes that make it uniquely suited for survival in its environment. It can run faster than any other bird, reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour. However, it is the ostrich's behavior that captivates our attention in this verse. God uses the characteristics of the ostrich to illustrate a powerful truth: there are aspects of life where we must choose to prioritize wisdom and direction over the frantic noise and distractions of the world.
With the phrase, "He scorneth the multitude of the city," we see the ostrich ignoring the clamor and chaos of human society. In contrast to many creatures that would likely flinch at the commotion or seek refuge from danger, the ostrich moves with an unusual confidence that stands in stark opposition to the fears and anxieties that often plague humanity. The ostrich embodies a spirit of independence and focus that we can greatly benefit from.
As modern believers, it is all too easy to become immersed in the ceaseless noise of our own “cities”. The demands of our careers, family commitments, and social obligations can drown out the quiet whisper of God in our hearts. We often find ourselves responding to the ceaseless cries of our internal driver—the part of us that insists we keep striving, producing, and hustling for acceptance or validation. In midst of this, Job 39:7 beckons us to examine our priorities. Are we allowing the world's chaos to dictate the direction of our lives? Or are we learning to hear God's gentle conviction amidst the cacophony?
The second part of the verse, "nor regardeth he the crying of the driver," points toward the ostrich's resolute nature. The context provided here speaks to the challenges of those who guide or control these magnificent creatures. The “driver” symbolizes both external pressures and internal struggles. Just as the ostrich dismisses the cries and commands of those who seek to direct it, we too can learn to recognize moments when it is wise to step back and reassess the direction we are heading.
In our walk with God, there are times we are called to distance ourselves from prevailing pressures and focus instead on His word and voice. Psalm 46:10 speaks to this realization, where God tells us to "Be still, and know that I am God." Sometimes, silence is required for clarity, just as the ostrich exists boldly apart from the expectations of its surroundings.
Moreover, reflecting on the character of God, we can trust that He cares for us amidst the chaos. In His omniscience, He knows our individual struggles and desires, even when we feel unheard like the cries of the driver. Romans 8:28 reassures us that all things work together for good to them that love God, emphasizing just how much we can rely on His divine orchestration in our lives.
In conclusion, let us take the ostrich as a reminder that while we inhabit a world full of noise and distraction, we are called to move with intention and fortitude. Embrace the freedom of being a child of God who prioritizes His voice above the clamor of life. May we learn to trust in His caring heart and guidance, allowing ourselves to be still, as we gain strength from the silence of His presence.
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Job 39:7 Artwork
Job 39:7 - "He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver."
"He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver." - Job 39:7
Job 39:13-25
Job 39:9 - "Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?"
Job 39:23 - "The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield."
Job 39:14 - "Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,"
John 7:37-39
John 7:37-39
Job 38:39 - "Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,"
Job 39:3 - "They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows."
Job 39:28 - "She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place."
Job 39:24 - "He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet."
Job 39:8 - "The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing."
Job 39:13 - "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?"
Job 39:15 - "And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them."
Job 39:20 - "Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible."
Job 39:27 - "Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?"
Job 39:26 - "Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?"
Job 39:22 - "He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword."
Job 39:6 - "Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings."
Job 39:29 - "From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off."
Job 39:19-25 – "Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?"
Job 39:2 - "Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?"
Job 39:19 - "Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?"
Job 39:21 - "He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men."
Job 39:17 - "Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding."
Job 39:10 - "Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?"
Job 39:12 - "Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?"
Job 39:18 - "What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider."
Job 39:4 - "Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them."