Stig ørnen høgt av di du byd, og byggjer reiret sitt i høgdi? Han bur på berg og held seg der, på kvasse tind og høge nut. Derfrå han spæjar etter mat, hans augo yver viddi skodar. Hans ungar gløypar i seg blod; der det finst lik, der er han og.» Og Herren svara Job og sagde: «Vil klandraren med Allvald trætta? Lat han som lastar Gud då svara!» Då svara Job Herren og sagde: «For ring eg er; kva skal eg svara? Eg handi legg på munnen min. Ein gong eg tala, no eg tegjer, tvo gong’ - eg gjer det ikkje meir.»
What Does This Mean?
This verse is about a bird called the vulture. It says that vulture babies drink blood, and vultures are always found where there are dead animals. The speaker is describing the vulture's habits in a broader discussion about animals.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you had a pet that loved to drink chocolate milk, and always went to the kitchen where chocolate milk was. This verse is talking about vultures who love to drink blood and go to where there are dead animals, just like your pet going to the kitchen for chocolate milk.
Historical Background
The book of Job was written by an unknown author, possibly during the Patriarchal period, around 2100-1400 B.C. The audience was likely Israelites, and the text reflects the cultural and literary traditions of the time, including vivid descriptions of nature.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can relate this to the idea of being drawn to what we need or crave. For example, if you're really hungry, you might be drawn to the kitchen or a restaurant, much like vultures are drawn to where there's food for them.
Why does the verse mention vultures and their young ones?
The verse uses vultures to illustrate a point about nature and the habits of animals. It shows how creatures are naturally drawn to what they need, like vultures to blood.
Is the description of vultures in Job 39:30 accurate?
While the verse describes the behavior of vultures, the description is poetic and reflects the understanding of animals in ancient times. Scientifically, vultures do not drink blood but feed on carrion.
How does this verse fit into the broader message of the book of Job?
In Job, God describes various aspects of nature, including animals, to show Job the complexity and wisdom behind creation. This verse is part of God's argument that Job should trust and respect His wisdom.
Can we apply the lesson of Job 39:30 to human behavior?
Yes, we can see parallels in human behavior, like being drawn to what we need or crave, similar to how vultures are drawn to their food source. This can be a metaphor for following what sustains us spiritually.