Red-tailed Hawk by Ray

Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the South? (Job 39:26 KJV)

Through God’s wisdom (omniscience), the Hawks He created have a built-in instinct to fly south for the winter and how to accomplish that feat. There is much studied and observed about this phenomenon. People watch them as they fly over by the hundreds and thousands.  Wings on the Wind has a very good article about how they ride the thermals or catch updrafts to carry them along on their journey. Right now, between August and December is the Fall migration time.

The verse quoted at the top is found in a set of questions started in Job 38:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. (Job 38:1-3 KJV)

Some other interesting translations of Job 39:26 are:
“Is it through your knowledge that the hawk takes his flight, stretching out his wings to the south?” (BBE)
“Did you teach hawks to fly south for the winter?” (CEV)
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south?” (ESV)
“Does your understanding make a bird of prey fly and spread its wings toward the south?” (GW)
“Was it through your know how that the hawk learned to fly, soaring effortlessly on thermal updrafts?” (MSG)
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south?” (NASB)

When we think we have “all the answers” to life’s questions and are feeling like we do not need God our Creator or a relationship with Him; read Job 38-42. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:11 KJV)
The Creator’s Gift of Intelligence

Information about Hawk Migration:

Red-tailed Hawk by Ray

Wings on the Wind
Hawk Migration Association of NA
Hawk Migration Chart

Places to View:
Blue Ridge Parkway