The So-called Ostrich in the God Speeches 503 rejoicing (v. 13). Sand grouse lay their eggs directly on the ground in desert areas in Israel (v. 14). They rely on their camouflage and may only take flight when a large animal is about to step on them (v. 15). Sand grouse also have calls that sound like laughter and, when they startle a horse and its rider by suddenly soaring up from the ground, might seem to be mocking them (v 18). The calls and behaviours of sand grouse, therefore, closely match the evidence of the passage. III Moreover, the identification of the µynnr as a sand grouse and an understanding of sand grouse behaviour helps clarify several difficult parts of the passage that have puzzled scholars. We have already seen a number of these — the name of the bird, the description of its wing rejoicing, the possibility that a wild animal might step on her (v. 15), and the reference to the bird soaring on high and laughing at a horse and its rider (v. 18). An understanding of the behaviours of sand grouse also helps explain verses 16-17. Although the commonplace statement that the passage is zoologically incorrect for an ostrich and based on folk traditions would support the thesis of this paper, I find it an oversimplification based on a questionable translation of the Hebrew and analysis of folk traditions. According to the customary translation, the hen lacks wisdom (v. 17) and is “cruel” to her young (jyvqh; v. 16) because she “leaves” (bz[t; v. 14 NRSV) or abandons them on the ground. This they say is zoologically incorrect because ostriches may leave the nest to draw away large predators but take turns incubating their eggs. Even if ostriches have to leave them for short periods, many potential predators would be unable to break the tough shells (37). For this reason Dahood appeals to Ugaritic where the root ¿zb means “lay” (38). Certainly, the statement that the bird has not been given understanding (v. 17) shows a lack of appreciation for the physical and behavioural adaptations of ground-nesting birds. However, bz[ has a range of meanings that include “leave in safety” (39). The multiple meanings (37) G. CANSDALE (All the Animals of the Bible Lands [Grand Rapids 1970] 193) says “the eggs have such thick shells that they are not easily broken by accident. Only a few animals have mouths large enough to smash one of these eggs”. (38) See footnote 4. (39) Isa 10,3; BROWN – DRIVER – C. A. BRIGGS, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, 737 1d.