Job - Chapter 40

Job 40.1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Job 40.2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Job 40.3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Job 40.4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Job 40.5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Job 40.6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Job 40.7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Job 40.8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Job 40.9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Job 40.10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty. Job 40.11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. Job 40.12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. Job 40.13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. Job 40.14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee. Job 40.15 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. Job 40.16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. Job 40.17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. Job 40.18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. Job 40.19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. Job 40.20 Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. Job 40.21 He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. Job 40.22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about. Job 40.23 Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. Job 40.24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.

Job : Chapter 40

God's Discourse to Job: A Reflection on Divine Sovereignty

In chapter 40 of the book of Job, we witness the continuation of God's discourse, a solemn moment when the Lord challenges Job's understanding of power and justice. This striking text shows us how God questions humankind's ability to govern the world fairly. Through vivid descriptions of the Behemoth, which could be interpreted as a hippopotamus or a mythological creature, God illustrates the divine power manifest in creation.

The Fundamental Themes of Job 40

This chapter addresses several essential themes: divine sovereignty, human humility, and the limits of mortal understanding in the face of God's greatness. We are therefore invited to delve deeper into these biblical truths, while considering five passages that enrich our understanding of these profound themes.

Enlightening Bible Passages

We invite you to meditate on the following verses, which illustrate God's challenge to humanity:

Psalm 50:21: "You did these things, and I kept silent; you thought that I was like you. But now I rebuke you and bring my accusations against you." This verse highlights the distance between human and divine nature, reminding us that God has the right to challenge our understanding.

Isaiah 45:9: "Woe to him who strives with his Maker, who is but a shard among the shards of the earth! Can the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Can his work say, 'He has no hands'?" This passage echoes God's challenge to Job, questioning the legitimacy of man's challenge to his Creator.

Romans 9:20: "But who are you, O man, that you should question God? 'Can what is formed say to its former, "Why have you made me like this?"'" The apostle Paul uses a similar discourse to God's in Job 40, affirming God's sovereignty over his creation.

Psalm 104:26: "There the ships sail, and the Leviathan, whom you formed for play." This verse refers to the description of Leviathan in Job 40, representing a creature fashioned by God.

Ezekiel 29:3: "Say to him, 'Thus says the Lord: I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, you great monster lying among his rivers. You say, 'The Nile is mine; I made it for myself.'" This verse uses language similar to the description of Behemoth in Job 40, symbolizing an earthly power under divine domination.

Conclusion

Through these reflections, we are called to recognize our place in creation and to acknowledge our limitations in the face of God's immensity. May these passages guide us in our understanding of divine sovereignty and nourish our humility before the Creator.