Job 41:31
He makes the depths seethe like a cauldron; he makes the sea like a jar of ointment.
He makes the depths boil
This phrase vividly portrays the immense power and majesty of the creature described in Job 41, often identified as Leviathan. The Hebrew word for "depths" (תְּהוֹם, tehom) refers to the deep waters or the abyss, symbolizing chaos and the unknown. The imagery of boiling suggests a violent disturbance, emphasizing Leviathan's ability to disrupt the natural order. In a broader theological context, this reflects God's sovereignty over creation, as even the most fearsome creatures are under His control. The boiling depths can also symbolize the trials and tribulations that God allows, which ultimately serve His divine purposes.

like a cauldron
The comparison to a cauldron (סִיר, sir) evokes an image of intense heat and activity. In ancient times, a cauldron was used for cooking or refining, suggesting a process of transformation. This metaphor can be seen as a reflection of God's refining work in the lives of believers, where trials serve to purify and strengthen faith. The cauldron imagery also underscores the uncontrollable and fearsome nature of Leviathan, reminding us of the awe-inspiring power of God's creation.

he stirs the sea
The act of stirring (רָקַח, raqach) implies a deliberate and forceful movement. The sea, often a symbol of chaos and danger in biblical literature, is depicted as being agitated by Leviathan. This highlights the creature's dominance over the natural world, yet it also serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority. In the broader narrative of Job, this imagery reinforces the theme of God's incomprehensible wisdom and power, which surpass human understanding.

like a pot of ointment
The comparison to a pot of ointment (רֹקַח, roqach) suggests a mixture of elements, often used for anointing or healing. Ointments in biblical times were valuable and carefully prepared, symbolizing care and purpose. This metaphor may imply that even the chaotic and fearsome actions of Leviathan are part of God's intricate design. The pot of ointment can also be seen as a symbol of God's provision and healing, offering hope that amidst chaos, God is working for the good of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A righteous man tested by God through severe trials, including the loss of his wealth, health, and family. The book of Job explores themes of suffering, divine sovereignty, and human righteousness.

2. Leviathan
A powerful sea creature described in Job 41, symbolizing chaos and the untamable forces of nature. Leviathan is often interpreted as a representation of evil or a literal sea creature demonstrating God's power over creation.

3. The Sea
Represents chaos and the unknown in ancient Near Eastern literature. In Job 41, the sea is depicted as a domain where Leviathan exerts its influence, yet it is ultimately under God's control.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
Job 41:31 illustrates God's unmatched power over the natural world, reminding believers of His sovereignty over all creation, including the chaotic and untamable aspects of life.

The Symbolism of Leviathan
Leviathan serves as a symbol of chaos and evil, yet it is depicted as a creature under God's control. This reassures believers that no force is beyond God's authority.

Trust in God's Control
Just as God controls the mighty Leviathan and the sea, He is in control of the chaotic and uncertain aspects of our lives. Believers are encouraged to trust in His divine plan and power.

The Majesty of God's Creation
The imagery of the sea boiling like a cauldron and being like a jar of ointment highlights the majesty and mystery of God's creation, prompting awe and reverence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Leviathan in Job 41:31 enhance our understanding of God's power and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can the imagery of the sea in Job 41:31 be related to the challenges and uncertainties we face in life?

3. How does the concept of Leviathan as a symbol of chaos and evil help us understand the nature of spiritual battles described in other parts of the Bible, such as Ephesians 6?

4. What practical steps can we take to trust in God's control over the "seas" of our lives, especially when facing trials and uncertainties?

5. How can the themes of God's majesty and sovereignty in Job 41 inspire us to worship and reverence Him more deeply in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 104
This psalm praises God for His creation and control over the natural world, including the sea and its creatures, similar to the themes in Job 41.

Isaiah 27:1
This verse speaks of God’s ultimate victory over Leviathan, symbolizing His power over chaos and evil.

Revelation 13
The imagery of a beast rising from the sea can be connected to the concept of Leviathan, representing forces opposed to God.
Behemoth and LeviathanHomilistJob 41:1-34
Description of the Leviathan, or CrocodileE. Johnson Job 41:1-34
Leviathan the TerribleW.F. Adeney Job 41:1-34
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Boil, Boiling, Caldron, Causeth, Churn, Deep, Depths, Jar, Makes, Maketh, Mixture, Ointment, Perfume-vessel, Pot, Seething, Spices, Stirs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 41:31

     4490   ointment

Job 41:1-34

     4604   animals, nature of

Library
Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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

Whether the Good Will be Judged at the Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that none of the good will be judged at the judgment. For it is declared (Jn. 3:18) that "he that believeth in Him is not judged." Now all the good believed in Him. Therefore they will not be judged. Objection 2: Further, those who are uncertain of their bliss are not blessed: whence Augustine proves (Gen. ad lit. xi) that the demons were never blessed. But the saints are now blessed. Therefore they are certain of their bliss. Now what is certain is not submitted to judgment.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Devil Can Induce Man to Sin of Necessity?
Objection 1: It would seem that the devil can induce man to sin of necessity. Because the greater can compel the lesser. Now it is said of the devil (Job 41:24) that "there is no power on earth that can compare with him." Therefore he can compel man to sin, while he dwells on the earth. Objection 2: Further, man's reason cannot be moved except in respect of things that are offered outwardly to the senses, or are represented to the imagination: because "all our knowledge arises from the senses, and
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Spell Can be an Impediment to Marriage?
Objection 1: It would seem that a spell cannot be an impediment to marriage. For the spells in question are caused by the operation of demons. But the demons have no more power to prevent the marriage act than other bodily actions; and these they cannot prevent, for thus they would upset the whole world if they hindered eating and walking and the like. Therefore they cannot hinder marriage by spells. Objection 2: Further, God's work is stronger than the devil's. But a spell is the work of the devil.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether by Divine Justice an Eternal Punishment is Inflicted on Sinners? [*Cf. Fs, Q , Aa ,4]
Objection 1: It would seem that an eternal punishment is not inflicted on sinners by Divine justice. For the punishment should not exceed the fault: "According to the measure of the sin shall the measure also of the stripes be" (Dt. 25:2). Now fault is temporal. Therefore the punishment should not be eternal. Objection 2: Further, of two mortal sins one is greater than the other. and therefore one should receive a greater punishment than the other. But no punishment is greater than eternal punishment,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There is Sorrow in the Demons?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is no sorrow in the demons. For since sorrow and joy are opposites, they cannot be together in the same subject. But there is joy in the demons: for Augustine writing against the Maniches (De Gen. Contra Manich. ii, 17) says: "The devil has power over them who despise God's commandments, and he rejoices over this sinister power." Therefore there is no sorrow in the demons. Objection 2: Further, sorrow is the cause of fear, for those things cause fear while they
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Fearlessness is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that fearlessness is not a sin. For that which is reckoned to the praise of a just man is not a sin. Now it is written in praise of the just man (Prov. 28:1): "The just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread." Therefore it is not a sin to be without fear. Objection 2: Further, nothing is so fearful as death, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. iii, 6). Yet one ought not to fear even death, according to Mat. 10:28, "Fear ye not them that kill the body," etc., nor anything that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Devil is the Head of all the Wicked?
Objection 1: It would seem that the devil is not the head of the wicked. For it belongs to the head to diffuse sense and movement into the members, as a gloss says, on Eph. 1:22, "And made Him head," etc. But the devil has no power of spreading the evil of sin, which proceeds from the will of the sinner. Therefore the devil cannot be called the head of the wicked. Objection 2: Further, by every sin a man is made evil. But not every sin is from the devil; and this is plain as regards the demons, who
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Whether Wisdom Should be Reckoned among the Gifts of the Holy Ghost?
Objection 1: It would seem that wisdom ought not to be reckoned among the gifts of the Holy Ghost. For the gifts are more perfect than the virtues, as stated above ([2705]FS, Q[68], A[8]). Now virtue is directed to the good alone, wherefore Augustine says (De Lib. Arb. ii, 19) that "no man makes bad use of the virtues." Much more therefore are the gifts of the Holy Ghost directed to the good alone. But wisdom is directed to evil also, for it is written (James 3:15) that a certain wisdom is "earthly,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
1. Men either idolatrous, profane, hypocritical, or regenerate. 1. Idolaters void of righteousness, full of unrighteousness, and hence in the sight of God altogether wretched and undone. 2. Still a great difference in the characters of men. This difference manifested. 1. In the gifts of God. 2. In the distinction between honorable and base. 3. In the blessings of he present life. 3. All human virtue, how praiseworthy soever it may appear, is corrupted. 1. By impurity of heart. 2. By the absence of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.
To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Gregory to Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria, and Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. When the excellent preacher says, As long as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I will honour my ministry (Rom. xi. 13); saying again in another place, We became as babes among you (1 Thess. ii. 7), he undoubtedly shews an example to us who come after him, that we should retain humility in our minds, and yet keep in honour the dignity of our order, so that neither should our humility be
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

And for Your Fearlessness against them Hold this Sure Sign -- Whenever There Is...
43. And for your fearlessness against them hold this sure sign--whenever there is any apparition, be not prostrate with fear, but whatsoever it be, first boldly ask, Who art thou? And from whence comest thou? And if it should be a vision of holy ones they will assure you, and change your fear into joy. But if the vision should be from the devil, immediately it becomes feeble, beholding your firm purpose of mind. For merely to ask, Who art thou [1083] ? and whence comest thou? is a proof of coolness.
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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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