Job 40:15-24

Behemoth

15 Look at Behemoth, whom I made along with you; he eats grass like cattle.

16 Look, his strength is in his thighs, his power in stomach muscles.

17 He stiffens his tail like a cedar; the tendons in his thighs are tightly woven.

18 His bones are like bronze tubes, his limbs like iron bars.

19 He is the first of God's acts; only his maker can come near him with a sword.

20 Indeed, the hills bring him tribute, places where all the wild animals play.

21 He lies under the lotuses, under the cover of reed and marsh.

22 The lotuses screen him with shade; poplars of the stream surround him.

23 If the river surges, he doesn't hurry; he is confident even though the Jordan gushes into his mouth.

24 Can he be seized by his eyes? Can anyone pierce his nose by hooks?

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.