Job 40:19. He that made him can make his sword to approach unto him— He who made him, hath furnished him with his scythe. Heath. The Hebrew word here rendered sword, or scythe, denotes the instrument by which this animal gathers his food. read more
19. Chief of the works of God; so "ways" (Job 26:14; Proverbs 8:22). can make his sword to approach—rather, "has furnished him with his sword" (harpe), namely, the sickle-like teeth with which he cuts down grain. English Version, however, is literally right. read more
3. God’s second speech 40:6-41:34This second divine discourse is similar to, yet different from, the first. It began as the first one did with a challenge to Job (Job 40:6-14; cf. Job 38:1-3), but it did not end with one (cf. Job 40:1-2). In the first speech Yahweh spoke of His inanimate creation and of His animate creation, specifically 10 animals. In the second speech He concentrated on only two creatures: Behemoth and Leviathan."The second speech is not a mere afterthought about two... read more
God’s questions 40:15-41:34Yahweh’s purpose in directing Job’s attention to such inexplicable animals on land (Behemoth) and in the water (Leviathan) seems to have been almost the same as His purpose in His first speech. He intended to humble Job by reminding him of his very limited power and wisdom, compared with God’s, so Job would submit to His Lordship.Scholars disagree on the question of whether the Behemoth and Leviathan that the writer described here were real or mythological creatures.... read more
The Speeches of the AlmightyWhen the human debate was over, and Job had proudly asserted his readiness to confront God, conscious of his innocence (Job 31:35-37), there was nothing left, if the contest was to be decided, except a direct intervention of God. This Job had himself again and again demanded. He had challenged God to meet him and justify the treatment He accorded to him. He complains bitterly that God evades him, and lets him suffer, though He knows that he is innocent. Now at last... read more
The Second Speech of the AlmightyJob, we know, in his anxiety to prove his integrity had been led into casting doubts on the justice of God's government of the world. He is here ironically invited to take God's place as ruler of the universe, and to display a wisdom as great as that of God. If he proved himself competent to do this, then, and not till then, he may consider himself independent of God and criticise His actions.8. Disannul my judgment] deny my righteousness. 13. In secret] RV 'in... read more
The Second Speech of the AlmightyJob, we know, in his anxiety to prove his integrity had been led into casting doubts on the justice of God’s government of the world. He is here ironically invited to take God’s place as ruler of the universe, and to display a wisdom as great as that of God. If he proved himself competent to do this, then, and not till then, he may consider himself independent of God and criticise His actions.8. Disannul my judgment] deny my righteousness. 13. In secret] RV ’in... read more
(19) He is the chief of the ways of God.—This is surely more applicable to the elephant than the hippopotamus, considering the great intelligence and usefulness of the elephant. The last clause is very obscure. Some render, “He only that made him can bring his sword near unto him;” or, “He that made him hath furnished him with his sword.” Others, “He that would dress him (as meat) let him come near him with his sword !” indicating the inequality of the contest. Perhaps a combination of the... read more
Job 40:4 All through the book of Job the question, how this can be, is over and over again asked, and never answered; inadequate solutions are offered and repelled, but an adequate solution is never reached. The only solution reached is that of silence before the insoluble: 'I will lay my hand upon my mouth'. Matthew Arnold. Job 40:11-12 This, says Lucretius (v. 1231 f), is Nature's prerogative and function: 'So doth some hidden power trample ever on things human, seeming to tread under foot... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 40:15-24
Two beasts (40:15-41:34)Before Job accepts the challenge to govern the moral order, God warns him that it is far more difficult than governing the natural and physical order. Therefore, Job must first consider what power he has over, for instance, the beasts. Two examples are sufficient to impress upon Job that he faces an impossibility. The first of these is the monster Behemoth, generally thought to be the hippopotamus. It is among the strongest creatures of God’s creation (15-18),... read more