Job 41:1

JOB 41

THE INVULNERABUITY OF LEVIATHAN (THE CROCODILE)

"Here we have the crowning description of a natural wonder, the leviathan (crocodile), with an elaboration to which there is no parallel in the rest of the Scriptures, forming a fitting climax to the gradually more and more elaborate descriptions in Job 39-41."[1] Yes, "Leviathan is the name of a seven-headed sea-dragon in the old Canaanite myths current prior to the Israelite occupation; but that does not prove that Leviathan in the Book of Job is a mythological creature."[2] "Once again the general features of the picture point to an actual animal, in this case, the crocodile."[3] There is a consensus of practically all scholars on this. "Most scholars hold the view that it is the crocodile which is described."[4]

Of course, "It must be admitted that there are many expressions here that a modern scientist would not use in describing a crocodile; but the Book of Job is neither modern nor scientific, but ancient and poetic."[5] D. G. Stradling tells us that, "Leviathan is mentioned in six Old Testament passages: Psalms 74:14; 104:26; Isaiah 37:2; Ezekiel 29:3-5; and twice in the Book of Job."[6] The other reference in Job is Job 3:8.

Job 41:1-11

"Canst thou draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?

Or press down his tongue with a cord?

Canst thou put a hook into his nose?

Or pierce his jaw through with a hook?

Will he make many supplications unto thee?

Or will he speak soft words unto thee?

Will he make a covenant with thee?

That thou shouldest take him for a servant forever?

Wilt thou play with him as a bird?

Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?

Will the bands of fishermen make traffic of him?

Will they part him among the merchants?

Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons,

Or his head with fish-spears?

Lay thy hand upon him;

Remember the battle, and do so no more.

Behold, the hope of him is in vain:

Will not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

None is so fierce that he dare stir him up;

Who then is he that can stand before me?

Who hath first given unto me, that I should repay him?

Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine."

"Will he make supplications unto thee" (Job 41:3)? There was an ancient tale that crocodiles shed tears over the creatures they devoured,[7] from which came the modern expression "crocodile tears," insincere, or hypocritical tears. There seems to be a sarcastic reference to that here. "Will he make supplications unto thee"? might very well mean, "Will the crocodile cry over you"?

"Wilt ...thou take him for a servant" (Job 41:4)? "Here the impossibility of domesticating the crocodile is indicated."[8]

Heavenor described the import of these verses as God's questions of Job: "Could Job consider the crocodile as a suitable object upon which to demonstrate his fishing ability (Job 41:1)? or as a domestic servant (Job 41:4)? or as a plaything (Job 41:5)"?[9]

"Lay thy hand upon him; remember the battle, and do so no more" (Job 41:8). To paraphrase this, "Meddle with him (the crocodile) in any of the above ways, and you will rue the day."[10]

"Will not one be cast down at the sight of him" (Job 41:9)? "Any man who would lay hands on Leviathan is warned not to do it, or he will regret it, since he will collapse as soon as he sees him."[11]

"Who then is he that can stand before me" (Job 41:10)? The big point of the whole chapter is right here. If Job cannot vanquish a fellow-creature, such as either behemoth or leviathan, such a fact, "Contradicts Job's claim of any right or claim against God."[12] Another thought that arises from this verse is, "If even the most courageous man would not be so insane as to stir up leviathan,"[13] how could anyone be so foolish as to contend with God? "If one of God's creatures is too formidable to assail, what must be thought of the Creator of all things"?[14]