Definition: Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? [or] canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage! It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious verse from Job, and it's about understanding something incredibly significant – time and nature. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking if you can understand the natural rhythms of the world. Specifically, it’s asking if you can track how animals behave – like goats grazing or hens laying eggs – over a period of time. Let's unpack it further: “Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth?” This refers to goats that live in rocky areas, often near cliffs or mountains. They graze on vegetation – like herbs and grasses – throughout the year. The "time" part is important because it’s about when they are grazing. “Canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?” This refers to hens laying eggs. The "mark" part means you can observe how many eggs each hen lays over a period of time (like a few weeks or months). What it’s really about: The Bible is suggesting that humans, with their intelligence and ability to observe, have a special connection to the natural world. It's implying that we are capable of understanding things that others might not notice. Why is this important? God’s Sovereignty: The verse highlights God’s power and control over creation. It’s not just about the natural world; it's about the divine order that governs everything. Human Understanding: The verse points out that humans are different from animals, and we have a unique ability to grasp patterns and understand time through observation. In short, this verse is a reminder that humans possess a kind of "natural wisdom" – a way of understanding the world around us that goes beyond simply seeing what’s happening. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Job? Give you some examples of how humans have observed nature throughout history?