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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 41:11-34

God, having in the Job 42:1-6 shown Job how unable he was to deal with the leviathan, here sets forth his own power in that massy mighty creature. Here is, I. God's sovereign dominion and independency laid down, Job 41:11. 1. That he is indebted to none of his creatures. If any pretend he is indebted to them, let them make their demand and prove their debt, and they shall receive it in full and not by composition: ?Who has prevented me?? that is, ?who has laid any obligations upon me by any... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 41:26

The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold ,.... It is either broken by striking at him, or however cannot pierce him and stick in him; but since a sword is not used in fishery, rather the harpagon or harpoon may be meant, which cannot enter into the crocodile, being so fenced with scales; but the whale being struck with it, it enters deep into his flesh, and is wounded by it; wherefore this and what follows in the next verses seems best to agree with the crocodile, or some other fish; ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 41:26

Habergeon - The hauberk, the Norman armor for the head, neck, and breast, formed of rings. See on Nehemiah 4:16 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 41:1-34

The crowning description of a natural marvel—the "leviathan," or crocodile—is now given, and with an elaboration to which there is no parallel in the rest of Scripture. It forms, however, a fit climax to the gradually more and more elaborate descriptions of Job 38:39-41 ; Job 39:1-30 ; and Job 40:15-24 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 41:1-34

Jehovah to Job: the second answer: 3. Concerning leviathan. I. THE ANIMAL INTENDED . 1 . A serpentine creature. This implied in the name leviathan, which signifies "a wreathed or twisted animal," as distinguished from the tannin , or "long-extended monsters" ( Genesis 1:21 ). 2 . An aquatic monster. Though amphibious as to its habits, the behemoth was essentially a land animal; the entire description of leviathan points to a tenant of the deep (verses l, 2, 31, 32).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 41:1-34

Description of the leviathan, or crocodile. The description is in two parts. I. The first part shows THE DIFFICULTY OR WELL - NIGH IMPOSSIBILITY OF CIRCUMVENTING AND CAPTURING THIS HUGE AND SLIPPERY CREATURE . ( Job 41:1-7 .) In language of irony and almost of taunt this fact is set forth. Here, then, is a mere creature of God before which man must feel his helplessness. If man cannot overcome the creature, how much less shall he pretend to vie with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 41:1-34

Leviathan the terrible. This terrible monster has a whole chapter to himself. His portrait is painted on a broad canvas, and it is as full of life and movement as it is of form and colour. Representing the crocodile, though enlarged and idealized, leviathan is a picture of the most terrible of the works of nature. I. THERE ARE TERRIBLE THINGS IN NATURE . When we look at the cruel jaws of the crocodile, gaping in readiness for its prey, and the little snake-like eyes watching... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 41:26

The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold . It either makes no impression or it snaps in his hand. Equally vain are the spear, the dart, and the javelin. Habergeon is a mistranslation. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 41:26

The sword of him that layeth at him - The word “sword” here (חרב chereb) means undoubtedly “harpoon,” or a sharp instrument by which an attempt is made to pierce the skin of the monster.Cannot hold - That is, in the hard skin. It does not penetrate it.The spear, the dart - These were doubtless often used in the attempt to take the animal. The meaning is, that “they” would not hold or stick to the animal. They flew off when hurled at him.Nor the habergeon - Margin, “breastplate.” Noyes,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 41:26

Job 41:26. The sword of him that layeth at him That approacheth to him, and dares to strike at him; cannot hold Hebrew, בלי תקום , beli takum, cannot stand. Either, 1st, Cannot endure the stroke, but will be broken by it; or, 2d, Cannot take hold of him, or abide fixed in him; but is instantly beaten back by the excessive hardness of his skin, which cannot be pierced by it. This also seems much better to agree to the crocodile, whose skin no sword, nor dart, nor (as some add)... read more

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