Job 40:17-24

17 He stiffens his tail like a cedar tree; the tendons of his thighs are woven firmly together.

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

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

20 The hills yield food for him, while all [sorts of] wild animals play there.

21 He lies under the lotus plants, hiding in the protection^[b] of marshy reeds.

22 Lotus plants cover him with their shade; the willows by the brook surround him.

23 Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains confident, even if the Jordan surges up to his mouth.

24 Can anyone capture him while he looks on,^[c] or pierce his nose with snares?^[d]

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Jb 26:14; Gn 1:24
• [b]. Lit plants, in the hiding place
• [c]. Lit capture it in its eyes
• [d]. Jb 41:2