Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 39.
We are in the midst of God’s response to Iyov regarding Divine Providence. All the Meforshim point out that Iyov is now receiving direct prophecy from Hashem. Rav Shwab notes that although Iyov failed his test, he was raised to new heights after hearing Elihu’s explanation of Tzaddik v’ra lo and Rasha v’tov lo, which enabled him to receive nevuah.
We know that one of the preconditions for a person to receive prophecy is to be in a state of happiness. At this point, Iyov is finally in a state of simcha after his inhuman suffering.
The Malbim believes that Moshe wrote Sefer Iyov, and adds that Moshe summarized his struggle and recorded it there. He points out that Iyov’s situation can be comparable to Moshe Rabbeinu’s. Initially, Moshe also used his intelligence to try to understand God’s ways. When he realized that he couldn’t, he asked Hashem, in Shemos 33:18, “Hareini na es K’vodecha, Show me Your Majesty.”
This perek is really a continuation of the previous one. Hashem describes His total governance over the animal kingdom, using several different animals as examples.
The Meforshim explain that If God has total Divine Providence in the animal kingdom, which is relatively insignificant in relation to us, He surely has Hashgacha Pratis on man, who is the pinnacle of creation.
Verse 1 says, “Hayadata eis ledes ya’alei salah cholel ayalos tishmor - Do you know the moment when the mountain goats give birth?” Hashem says that His governance even applies to the birth of animals.
The Gemarah in Bava Basra 16a says that when a mountain goat gives birth, it climbs to the top of a mountain and delivers the baby over a cliff. Hashem arranges for a bird to swoop down and catch the newborn, to bring it back to the mother.
In verse 5 Hashem shows that His providence extends to even the habitats of animals, specifically listing the wild donkey and wild ox. Who sets them free? Who gives them a home?
In verse 10 Hashem discusses the buffalo and ostrich. The Malbim points out that while the previous animals are species that are easily subdued, the buffalo cannot easily be controlled. The ostrich is unlike other birds because it can’t fly, but can’t be controlled without difficulty.
In verse 19 Hashem discusses the power of the horse, asking, “Do you give the horse bravery?” Hashem continues to show Iyov the wonder of His providence, how He created animals to serve humans.
From verse 26 until the end of the perek, Hashem shows Iyov the miracle of flight. Hashem gives birds, hawks and vultures their ability to fly, an open miracle for all to see God’s providence.
Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily when Hashem asks Iyov why he doesn’t respond. After this, there are only 2 more perakim left until we finish Sefer Iyov.
Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.
