Job 40:22
The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him.
The lotus plants
The Hebrew word for "lotus" here is "צֶאֱלִים" (tze'elim), which is often translated as "shady trees" or "lotus trees." In the context of the ancient Near East, these plants are associated with lush, fertile environments, often found near water sources. The imagery of the lotus plants suggests a place of refuge and protection, symbolizing God's provision and care for His creation. In the broader narrative of Job, this can be seen as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to provide shelter and sustenance even in the midst of chaos.

conceal him
The act of concealment here implies protection and safety. In the Hebrew text, the word "יְכַסֻּהוּ" (yekhasuhu) is used, which means to cover or hide. This suggests that the creature, often interpreted as the behemoth, is hidden by the natural world, emphasizing its integration into God's creation. Theologically, this can be seen as a metaphor for how God covers and protects His people, offering them refuge and security amidst life's trials.

in their shade
Shade in the ancient world was a precious commodity, often symbolizing rest and relief from the harshness of the sun. The Hebrew word "בְּצִלָּם" (b'tzillam) conveys a sense of comfort and respite. In the spiritual sense, shade can be seen as the peace and rest found in God's presence. For Job, who is enduring immense suffering, this imagery serves as a reminder of the peace and protection that God offers to those who trust in Him.

the willows of the brook
Willows, or "עַרְבֵי־נָחַל" (arvei-nachal) in Hebrew, are trees that thrive near water, symbolizing life and vitality. The mention of a brook indicates a flowing source of water, which in biblical symbolism often represents the life-giving and sustaining power of God. This imagery reinforces the idea of God's provision and the abundance found in His creation. For believers, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual nourishment and growth that comes from staying connected to the divine source.

surround him
The Hebrew word "יְסֻבֻּהוּ" (yesubuhu) means to encircle or encompass. This suggests a sense of being completely enveloped or protected. In the context of Job, it highlights the idea that God's creation is all-encompassing and that His presence is inescapable. For the faithful, this is a comforting assurance that God is always present, surrounding them with His love and protection, even when they cannot perceive it.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions God's justice.

2. God
The Almighty Creator who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging his understanding of divine wisdom and power.

3. Behemoth
A creature described by God, symbolizing His power and the majesty of His creation.

4. Lotus Plants
Aquatic plants mentioned in the context of providing shade and concealment for the Behemoth.

5. Willows of the Brook
Trees that grow near water, providing a lush environment and further illustrating the habitat of the Behemoth.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
The description of Behemoth and its environment underscores God's ultimate authority and creative power over all living things.

The Majesty of God's Creation
The lush imagery of lotus plants and willows reflects the beauty and complexity of God's creation, inviting us to appreciate and steward it responsibly.

Trust in God's Wisdom
Just as Job is reminded of his limited understanding, we are called to trust in God's wisdom, especially when faced with life's mysteries and challenges.

Finding Refuge in God's Provision
The concealment and protection offered by the lotus plants and willows symbolize the refuge and care God provides for His creation, encouraging us to seek His shelter.

Humility Before God
Recognizing the grandeur of God's creation should lead us to humility, acknowledging our place in the world and our dependence on the Creator.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Behemoth in Job 40:22 enhance our understanding of God's power and creativity?

2. In what ways can the imagery of the lotus plants and willows inspire us to appreciate and care for the environment?

3. How does the setting of Behemoth's habitat reflect God's provision and protection in our own lives?

4. What can we learn from Job's experience about trusting God's wisdom, even when we don't understand our circumstances?

5. How do other scriptures that describe God's creation (e.g., Genesis 1, Psalm 104) deepen our understanding of Job 40:22 and its message?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:24-25
The creation of animals, highlighting God's sovereignty over all creatures, similar to the description of Behemoth.

Psalm 104:10-14
Describes God's provision for His creation, including water and plants, paralleling the environment of the Behemoth.

Isaiah 44:4
Uses imagery of willows by water to describe growth and blessing, connecting to the lush setting of Job 40:22.

Psalm 1:3
Compares a righteous person to a tree planted by streams of water, drawing a parallel to the willows by the brook.

Romans 11:33
Speaks of the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, echoing the themes of divine wisdom in Job.
Jehovah's AnswerDean Bradley.Job 40:1-24
The Lord's AnswerHomilistJob 40:1-24
Behemoth the GreatW.F. Adeney Job 40:15-24
People
Job
Places
Jordan River, Uz
Topics
Branches, Brook, Compass, Conceal, Cover, Covered, Encompass, Grasses, Lotus, Lotus-bushes, Lotuses, Lotus-trees, Plants, Poplars, Round, Shade, Shades, Shadow, Shady, Stream, Surround, Trees, Willows
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 40:15-24

     1305   God, activity of
     4604   animals, nature of

Job 40:21-22

     4402   plants

Library
Indwelling Sin
It is a doctrine, as I believe, taught us in Holy Writ, that when a man is saved by divine grace, he is not wholly cleansed from the corruption of his heart. When we believe in Jesus Christ all our sins are pardoned; yet the power of sin, albeit that it is weakened and kept under by the dominion of the new-born nature which God doth infuse into our souls, doth not cease, but still tarrieth in us, and will do so to our dying day. It is a doctrine held by all the orthodox, that there dwelleth still
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Whether the Parts to be Anointed are Suitably Assigned?
Objection 1: It would seem that these parts are unsuitably assigned, namely, that the eyes, nose, ears, lips, hands, and feet should be anointed. For a wise physician heals the disease in its root. Now "from the heart come forth thoughts . . . that defile a man" (Mat. 15:19,20). Therefore the breast ought to be anointed. Objection 2: Further, purity of mind is not less necessary to those who are departing this life than to those who are entering therein. Now those who are entering are anointed with
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether at the Coming Judgment the Angels Will be Judged?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels will be judged at the coming judgment. For it is written (1 Cor. 6:3): "Know you not that we shall judge angels?" But this cannot refer to the state of the present time. Therefore it should refer to the judgment to come. Objection 2: Further, it is written concerning Behemoth or Leviathan, whereby the devil is signified (Job 40:28): "In the sight of all he shall be cast down"; and (Mk. 1:24)* the demon cried out to Christ: "Why art Thou come to destroy us
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Hope is in the Damned?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is hope in the damned. For the devil is damned and prince of the damned, according to Mat. 25:41: "Depart . . . you cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels." But the devil has hope, according to Job 40:28, "Behold his hope shall fail him." Therefore it seems that the damned have hope. Objection 2: Further, just as faith is either living or dead, so is hope. But lifeless faith can be in the devils and the damned, according
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

December 14 Evening
By nature the children of wrath, even as others.--EPH. 2:3. We ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.--Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile: what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.--The Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves."--2 COR. 13:6. MY DEAR SISTER, In view of the positive injunction of Scripture, above quoted, no argument is necessary to show that self-examination is a duty. But if the word of God had been silent upon the subject, the importance of self-knowledge would have been a sufficient motive for searching into the secret springs of action which influence our conduct. A person ignorant of his own heart, is like a merchant, who knows
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Whether God is a Body
Whether God is a Body We proceed to the first article thus: 1. It seems that God is a body. For what has three dimensions is a body, and sacred Scripture attributes three dimensions to God, as in Job 11:8-9: "It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea." God is therefore a body. 2. Again, everything that has figure is a body, since figure is a mode of quantity. Now it seems that God has
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether God is a Body?
Objection 1: It seems that God is a body. For a body is that which has the three dimensions. But Holy Scripture attributes the three dimensions to God, for it is written: "He is higher than Heaven, and what wilt thou do? He is deeper than Hell, and how wilt thou know? The measure of Him is longer than the earth and broader than the sea" (Job 11:8,9). Therefore God is a body. Objection 2: Further, everything that has figure is a body, since figure is a quality of quantity. But God seems to have figure,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

False Profession.
As there are trees and herbs that are wholly right and noble, fit indeed for the vineyard, so there are also their semblance, but wild; not right, but ignoble. There is the grape, and the wild grape; the vine, and the wild vine; the rose, and the canker-rose; flowers, and wild flowers; the apple, and the wild apple, which we call the crab. Now, fruit from these wild things, however they may please the children to play with, yet the prudent and grave count them of little or no value. There are also
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Whether There is Hope in the Damned
Whether there is Hope in the Damned We proceed to the third article thus: 1. It seems that there is hope in the damned. For the devil is damned, and the prince of the damned, according to Matt. 25:41: "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Yet the devil has hope, according to Job 41:9: "Behold, the hope of him is in vain." It seems, therefore, that the damned have hope. 2. Again, just as faith can be formed and unformed, so can hope. Now there can
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

On the Interior Man
The interior man is the rational soul; in the apostle: have in your hearts, in the interior man, Christ through faith. [Eph. 3:16] His head is Christ; in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. [I Cor. 11:3] The crown of the head is the height of righteousness; in Solomon: for the crown of your head has received the crown of grace. The same in a bad part: the crown of hairs having walked about in their own delights, that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov. 4:9; Ps. 67(68):22(21)] The hair is
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

The Tenth Commandment
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.' Exod 20: 17. THIS commandment forbids covetousness in general, Thou shalt not covet;' and in particular, Thy neighbour's house, thy neighbour's wife, &c. I. It forbids covetousness in general. Thou shalt not covet.' It is lawful to use the world, yea, and to desire so much of it as may keep us from the temptation
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

He Accuses Abaelard for Preferring his Own Opinions and Even Fancies to the Unanimous Consent of the Fathers, Especially Where He Declares that Christ did Not
He accuses Abaelard for preferring his own opinions and even fancies to the unanimous consent of the Fathers, especially where he declares that Christ did not become incarnate in order to save man from the power of the devil. 11. I find in a book of his sentences, and also in an exposition of his of the Epistle to the Romans, that this rash inquirer into the Divine Majesty attacks the mystery of our Redemption. He admits in the very beginning of his disputation that there has never been but one conclusion
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
The bread is Christ or conversation of the Lord; in the gospel: I am the living bread. [John 6:41] The wine is the same as above; in Solomon: and drink this wine, which I have blended for you. [Prov. 9:5] Olive oil is mercy or the Holy Spirit; in the psalm: I have anointed him with my holy oil. The same in another part: Let not the oil of the sinner, that is, admiration, touch my head. [Ps. 88(89):21(20); Ps. 140(141):5] Pork is sin; in the psalm: they are sated with pork. [Ps. 16(17):14 (unknown
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

"But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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