We live in a world in which violence is thought to be always wrong. But, is it? Picture two scenes in a nature film. First, we see hungry lion cubs crying for food. Then, we see them eating happily. What has happened in between? Answer: the lion or lioness has hunted prey and killed it violently! So, is this evil or good? We need to think carefully about this, and the next section of God's speech prompts us to do that.

The focus shifts to animals and birds, especially the wild ones. There is a particular emphasis on life and death in the wild.

First, Job 38:39-41 take us to that scene of lions and lion cubs, and also the raven, who feeds on the carcasses killed by predators like lions. When God asks Job, ″Do you hunt the prey?″ (v. 39), He is implying that while Job doesn't, He–God–does! The whole food chain is under God's command.

Then, in 39:1-4, the camera takes us out into the mountains as we watch remote mountain goats getting pregnant, going into labour, giving birth, and then their young growing and leading their own lives. Who is behind the remote saga of new life? God is.

From the wild goat, 39:5-8 take us to the wild donkey. Far from the farm, this creature roams free. And yet, even here, far from human dwelling, God provides the food it needs.

In 39:9-12, we meet the wild ox, a very large horned creature. With some humour, Job is asked if he can tame it, and of course, he can't! For this creature is wild and untameable. And yet, in all its wild power, it is under the control of God.

There is a very funny little cameo in 39:13-18, the ostrich! She is silly (for she doesn't care very well for her young) and extremely fast. She is just odd. And yet, in her oddness, she is not outside the knowledge or power of God.

39:19-25 paint a terrifying and magnificent portrait of the war horse, the nuclear weapon of the ancient world. This most powerful of creatures is also under the power of God.

Finally, in 39:26-30, we come back to the food chain. Here, the birds of prey, the hawk or the eagle, are in view. They live high up, in very remote places. And they hunt prey for their young.

Then, in 40:1-2, God rebukes Job for arguing with Him, for thinking he can run the world better than God can. Job admits that he is not as important as he thought, and says he will stop talking (vv. 3-5).