Job 39:12

Now comes the creature called here a "unicorn." I do not know why anyone gave it that name. There is only one animal with a single horn: the Indian rhinoceros, found only in Southern Asia. But here it should be the wild ox. We have the wild goat (v. 1), the wild ass (v. 5), and now the wild ox (v. 9). They follow one another in turn. This is a more powerful animal than either of the others. There is a rising in the scale.

Could Job make it plod in a furrow, pulling a plough as oxen were taught to do? (v.10). The strength of the antelope was more than enough for this, but how could man make use of such strength? Could he trust such an animal to bring home grain from the field? (v.12). Of course the answer to all these questions is no. But it serves to teach us that God's creation holds much variety that is beyond man even to understand. It also shows up man's limits compared with God's unlimited resources.

Whatever men think or say, no one — not Job, not anyone else — can claim to harness the wild ox for man's ordinary work. No one can make it submit quietly to his control or care. Its strength might be priceless. But God made all things. He gave Adam dominion over fish and bird, cattle, every reptile, and all the earth. Yet He did not tie the wild ox with a rope to the furrow, or make it harrow behind Job. He did not ask Job to leave the work of the field to this animal, either at the start or at the end.

He, not man, has made them what they are, and ordered their habits and their homes. Some He has given to be the burden-bearers of man. Others He has set free from any such service, like the wild ass, whose home is the desert and the open plain.

But what is the aim of the Lord in putting these questions? To show that God is greater than man, and to humble man. It is to bring Job to the true knowledge of himself that he needs, and to free him from the pride of his heart.

So it matters little whether we gaze at the greatest of God's works, or look into the least. Everywhere we meet what is entirely beyond man's understanding… Job had even presumed to judge the moral depths of God. But he could not face what God is in the least part of His universe, and he had not the slightest adequate idea of it.

That wild, untamed nature yields only to One. Can Job doubt that He will control all things, even the wild powers of evil? Will He not make them the obedient servants of His will? So God will take captive the wild and wandering thoughts of His poor servant. He will bring a rich harvest of blessing out of his bitter experiences.