Behemoth

Illustration of Behemoth

In God's answer to Job from the whirlwind, he points to Behemoth, a massive creature that 'eateth grass as an ox,' with strength in its loins and a tail like a cedar - 'the chief of the ways of God.' Whatever creature is meant, Behemoth stands as a monument to the Creator's power and Job's smallness. God uses these untamable creatures to humble Job and reveal his own unsearchable majesty.

0:00
Strongest connections in Scripture
Job 40

Key Passages

Behold Now Behemoth

Job 40:15-24

God parades Behemoth before Job - a creature of immense strength - to display his own creative majesty.

B15ehold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. 17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. 18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. 19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. 20 Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. 21 He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. 22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about. 23 Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. 24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.

Explore Related

Characters

Job Job was a righteous and prosperous man living in the land of Uz, known for his deep faith and integrity. Inโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

God parades Behemoth before Job as 'the chief of the ways of God.'

2

Its tail is compared to a swaying cedar tree.

3

Some think it a hippo or elephant; others, a creature now unknown.

4

It appears in God's speech to humble Job before the Creator's power.