The unicorn is found in the book of Job (Job 39:9-10). Many references to the unicorn refer to its strength and/or its powerful horn. The Lord says to Job that the unicorn cannot be harnessed like a horse, an ox, or a donkey to work for man. It was one of God’s creatures that could not be tamed. The following verses (11-12) tell us that the unicorn cannot be trusted. It is interesting to note that God mentions non-mythical creatures in the same passage of Scripture (the goat – v. 1, the peacock and ostrich – v. 13, the horse – v. 19, the hawk – v. 26, and the eagle – v. 27). There is no reason to assume that the unicorn was not also a real animal.

God, of course, was calling attention to all of these creatures because He is the One that created them, and He created them each for specific purposes. He is an amazing God. Like the animals, God had a purpose for Job. God has a purpose for you, too.

The name unicorn comes from a verb which means “to rise.” The Psalmist declares that the LORD is a most high God (Psa. 92:8), but the same God would exalt the psalmist “like the horn of a unicorn” (Psa. 92:10). The unicorn teaches us that God is to be exalted above all others. Truly, this is the theme that God is trying to convey to Job and his friends.

I find it interesting that God allows Job and his friends, including the young man, Elihu, to say their piece. The narrative begins with God in control of everything. God allows Satan to try Job. God allows these men to express their thoughts regarding why things have and are happening to Job. In reality, only God knows what and why He is doing what He is doing.