Ayub 39:23-27

39:23 On it the quiver rattles;

the lance and javelin ¹  flash.

39:24 In excitement and impatience it consumes the ground; ² 

it cannot stand still ³  when the trumpet is blown.

39:25 At the sound of the trumpet, it says, ‘Aha!’

And from a distance it catches the scent of battle,

the thunderous shouting of commanders,

and the battle cries.

39:26 “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, ⁴ 

and spreads its wings toward the south?

39:27 Is it at your command ⁵  that the eagle soars,

and builds its nest on high?

[39:23]  ¹ tn This may be the scimitar (see G. Molin, “What is a kidon?” JSS 1 [1956]: 334-37).

[39:24]  ² tn “Swallow the ground” is a metaphor for the horse’s running. Gray renders the line: “quivering and excited he dashes into the fray.”

[39:24]  ³ tn The use of אָמַן (’aman) in the Hiphil in this place is unique. Such a form would normally mean “to believe.” But its basic etymological meaning comes through here. The verb means “to be firm; to be reliable; to be dependable.” The causative here would mean “to make firm” or “to stand firm.”

[39:26]  ⁴ tn This word occurs only here. It is connected to “pinions” in v. 13. Dhorme suggests “clad with feathers,” but the line suggests more the use of the wings.

[39:27]  ⁵ tn Heb “your mouth.”