Job 41
Following on His description of Behemoth in Job 40:15-24, God presents Leviathan for Job’s consideration. Neither Behemoth nor Leviathan can be identified as any currently existing animal. Some have proposed the hippopotamus for Behemoth and the crocodile for Leviathan. However, barring excessive poetic license by God, the descriptions in Job clearly do not fit those animals — or any other nonextinct species. Hence, others have suggested dinosaurs or even mythical monsters. (Frankly, Godzilla seems like a pretty good fit for Leviathan to me!) Ultimately, it does not really matter what particular creatures Behemoth and Leviathan might be. What matters is that Job knows what God is talking about. And if Job cannot control either of these creatures, he has no business challenging their Creator.
I find it interesting that in His entire discourse, God has not spent much time speaking directly about Himself. Instead, He has put Creation on display as sufficient evidence to make His point. Of course, we (and Job) are part of that Creation, and although we are made in God’s image and He gave us dominion over the earth, we are nonetheless small — even miniscule — in relation to some other parts of Creation. In physical strength, we are no match for Behemoth or Leviathan (or any number of other animals). In scale, the whole earth is but a speck in the universe — much less any one of us! We would do well, therefore, to ponder creation, and from it to learn to worship our Creator. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. (Ps. 19:1) The heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge! (Ps. 50:6) For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. (Rom. 1:20) Yes, let’s take a good look at Creation and marvel at our awesome God!
Let me finish John’s last citation. Here are the next few verses: So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools… ( Romans 1:20b-22). These verses speak directly to Job and his friends. Job “knew” God, but in his zeal to establish his innocence he certainly did not honor God. And as to Job’s friends, “…futile…, foolish hearts…, Claiming to be wise…”. These words ring true for their hearts!
John is correct in his observation that God speaks more of His creation than He does of His own almighty attributes. But on one occasion in today’s reading He comes close to establishing His position – by words instead of by questions: …who is able to stand against Me? Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine. (Job 41:10b-11) God is debt-free; He owes nothing to anyone. He is the ultimate Owner of all that has ever been created. And yes, Job is beginning to recognize this. Stay tuned!!
It is so interesting to see the change happening in Job, or should I say the change we know will happen in Job. Specifically his repentance and humility to God. How much like Job I have been and can be! Reading through all the chapters of Job and with the excellent commentary from John and Fred I am drawn to a close look at myself, reflecting on my past.
I was so much like Job… “What did I do wrong to deserve this…”, whatever the this was (is) at the time. I am confronted by these passages in Job to look at my lack of humility and abundance of pride. It was years ago I first was brought to my knees in humility, not even realizing there was a serious pride issue – much like Job. By God’s grace I was spared the financial and family destruction Job experienced, but felt the emotional wreckage of my ‘pride in abundance’ and brought to a point of helplessness I hadn’t known before. I had nowhere to turn but to God! My encounter with God to bring me to my knees was different than Job’s. God was more gentle in His direction to me…maybe I was just really ready to listen after all.
But it’s not how God communicates to us (at least I don’t think so), whether by gentle discourse or graphic descriptions involving powerful animals as we saw today in Job. God will use whatever means to get our attention. Rather it’s about God communicating with us at all – because He loves us and wants us to change (especially if we desire a change), and mold our hearts towards Him.
As with me, the change God brings about in Job is a wonderful, awesome display of God’s love for him and me and us. It leaves me serene and at peace knowing God’s got this and He’s got me and it’s wonderful to see it unfold in Job. As with so many books and chapters in the Bible, this one’s got my name and my story written all over it, too.
And, is Putin Leviathan?
Is Putin Leviathan? I think not. In Job 41 Leviathan seems to be a plaything for the Lord. This Putin seems to have total disregard for God or any of His commandments. Could God make him behave differently? I fully believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to change and maybe even direct lives. But Putin, like the rest of us has free will. I don’t see God taking that away from him.
So again, I am still a few days behind…
I have been challenged by reading Job for the past weeks, by John’s comments and exhortations, and by Fred’s and others’ additions. So thanks, Bruce, for your comments on this chapter too!
It is so interesting that God didn’t list out his many attributes, but instead presented descriptions of creation to Job. It was certainly enough, however! I am amazed that unbelievers can see glory of nature all around them and not see God’s hand and his character.
But I am just as dense so often…
I needed this book’s reminder of God’s patience with my small efforts to communicate with him, his grace and mercy for my weaknesses, his love in spite of my failures, … need I go on?
We certainly have an awesome God!