From Societal Scorn to Divine Delight: Job’s Transformative Portrayal of Wild Animals

This article contextualizes the Joban theophany’s stereotype-subverting portrayal of wild animals and explores its ecological and theological implications. Job 38:39–39:30 features wild animals that ancient Near Eastern iconography represents as hunted or controlled, Leviticus 11 labels unclean or an abomination, and Job refers to as symbols of desolation or persecution. Yet Job 38:39–39:30 transforms perceptions about these animals, undermines anthropocentrism, and reveals the Creator’s care for and delight in these free, fearless, and awe-inspiring animals