Job 40:15-24

15 Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox.

16 See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly.

17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

18 His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron.

19 He is the foremost of God’s works; ^[a] only his Maker can draw the sword against him.

20 The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby.

21 He lies under the lotus plants, ^[b] hidden among the reeds of the marsh.

22 The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows ^[c] of the brook surround him.

23 Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth.

24 Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare?

Job 40:15-24 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Hebrew ways
• [b] Or bramble bushes; also in verse 22
• [c] Or poplars