Job 40:17-24

17 It makes its tail stiff like a cedar. The ligaments of its thighs are intertwined.

18 Its bones are bronze tubes. They are like iron bars.

19 Behemoth is the first of God's conquests. Its maker approaches it with his sword.

20 The hills bring it food, and all the wild animals play there.

21 It lies down under the lotus plants in a hiding place among reeds and swamps.

22 Lotus plants provide it with cover. Poplars by the stream surround it.

23 Though the river flows powerfully against it, it's not alarmed. It's confident [even] when the Jordan rushes against its mouth.

24 Can anyone blind its eyes or pierce its nose with snares?

Job 40:17-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 40

In this chapter Job is called upon to give in his answer, Job 40:1,2, which he does in the most humble manner, acknowledging his vileness and folly, Job 40:3-5; and then the Lord proceeds to give him further conviction of his superior justice and power, Job 40:6-9; and one thing he proposes to him, to humble the proud, if he could, and then he would own his own right hand could save him, Job 40:10-15; and observes to him another instance of his power in a creature called behemoth, which he had made, and gives a description of, Job 40:15-24.