◄ Job 40 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Job Humbles Himself before the LORD 1And the LORD said to Job: 2“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.” 3Then Job answered the LORD: 4“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. 5I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.” The LORD Challenges Job Again 6Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: 7“Now brace yourselfa like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.b 8Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? 9Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? 10Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. 11Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. 12Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. 13Bury them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave.c 14Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can save you. 15Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox. 16See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly. 17His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit. 18His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron. 19He is the foremost of God’s works;d only his Maker can draw the sword against him. 20The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby. 21He lies under the lotus plants,e hidden among the reeds of the marsh. 22The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willowsf of the brook surround him. 23Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth. 24Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare? Footnotes: 7 a Hebrew gird up your loins 7 b Cited in Job 42:4 13 c Or in the hidden place 19 d Hebrew ways 21 e Or bramble bushes; also in verse 22 22 f Or poplars Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 40 Summary The LORD Challenges Job Again Verses 1–2 – The LORD Confronts the Challenger The LORD pauses to ask whether the one who corrects God is ready to give answers, exposing the imbalance between Job’s complaints and God’s rule. Verses 3–5 – Job’s First Surrender Job withdraws his accusations, saying, “I lay my hand over my mouth,” acknowledging that he has spoken out of turn and has nothing left to add. Verses 6–14 – The Whirlwind Challenge Continues From the storm God invites Job to “adorn yourself with majesty” and try judging the proud; if Job can humble the wicked, then God will concede Job’s power. The challenge highlights divine justice and authority. Verses 15–24 – Behemoth: Proof of Power God points to Behemoth, a colossal land creature fashioned by Him alone. Its strength, bones like bronze, and carefree confidence in raging rivers show that only its Maker can master it. Job 40 continues the narrative of the Book of Job, exploring profound questions about human suffering, the power of God, and our place in the universe. In this chapter, God challenges Job, drawing his attention to His divine power and wisdom, exemplified through the majestic creature, the Behemoth. This chapter compels readers to ponder over God's omnipotence and humanity's humility. Setting and Context Job 40 stands between the two halves of the LORD’s speeches (38–39 and 40–41). The first half stressed creation’s wonder; the second presses Job to see his limits in moral governance. The chapter divides neatly into dialogue (1-5) and display (6-24). Divine Challenge and Human Humility • v. 2 “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?” echoes Romans 9:20, “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?” • Job’s silence (vv. 4-5) anticipates his fuller repentance in 42:6 and mirrors Isaiah 6:5 where Isaiah cries, “Woe to me!” when faced with holiness. • God’s call (vv. 10-14) to clothe himself with glory recalls Psalm 93:1, “The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty.” Job cannot. That gap is the lesson. Behemoth: Identity and Meaning The description fits a gigantic, powerful herbivore: ‒ Eats grass like an ox (v. 15) ‒ Tail that “sways like a cedar” (v. 17) ‒ Bones like “tubes of bronze” (v. 18) ‒ Unafraid when the Jordan surges (v. 23) Many see a hippopotamus, though the “cedar-like tail” and skeletal strength push others toward an extinct megafauna. Whether hippo, dinosaur, or another huge beast, the point is clear: if a mere animal dwarfs human mastery, how much more the Creator. Archaeological Notes • Hippos thrived in the ancient Near East; ivory and hippo-tooth carvings appear in Egyptian and Canaanite digs. Their aggressive nature made them symbols of unstoppable force. • Near Eastern texts (e.g., Ugaritic) sometimes merge natural creatures with cosmic themes; yet Job treats Behemoth as real, grounding God’s argument in observable nature, not myth. Intertextual Links • v. 10 “Adorn yourself with glory” parallels Exodus 28:2 where Aaron’s garments are “for glory and beauty,” yet even the high priest’s glory is bestowed, not innate. • v. 12 “Look on every proud man and humble him” foreshadows Luke 1:52, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones.” • Behemoth and Leviathan (chapter 41) recall Genesis 1:21 where God creates the “great sea creatures,” asserting ownership from the start. Themes for Life Today 1. God’s questions expose hearts more effectively than our answers do. 2. True wisdom begins with listening (James 1:19); Job illustrates the pivot from protest to quiet trust. 3. Creation testifies to God’s greatness (Psalm 19:1); observing even one massive creature should humble any ego. 4. Justice is safe in God’s hands. While humans must pursue justice, final judgment belongs to the LORD (Romans 12:19). Practical Portrait of Humility • Speak less, hear more (Proverbs 17:28). • Recognize creaturely limits—physical, moral, intellectual. • Let God’s revealed power calm anxiety; if He controls Behemoth, He can handle our storms. Closing Connection Job 40 moves the reader from argument to awe. Like Job, all people must face the Creator’s question: “Will you discredit My justice?” The only safe answer is surrender, leading to the restoration that follows in Job 42 and, ultimately, in the gospel where God both judges and justifies. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Romans 11:33-34 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Psalm 104:24 How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. Teaching Points God's Challenge to Job In Job 40:1-2, God begins by questioning Job, Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer. This sets the stage for a humbling reminder of God's supreme authority and wisdom. Job's Humble Response Job 40:3-5 shows Job's response to God's challenge: Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. Job acknowledges his limitations and submits to God's greater understanding. God's Sovereignty and Power In verses 6-14, God continues to speak, emphasizing His unmatched power and the futility of human pride. He asks Job if he can adorn himself with majesty or bring down the proud, highlighting the vast difference between divine and human capabilities. The Behemoth as a Symbol Verses 15-24 describe the behemoth, a powerful creature that God created. This serves as a symbol of God's creative power and the order He maintains in the world, further illustrating His sovereignty. Practical Applications Embrace Humility Recognize our limitations and approach God with humility, acknowledging that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Trust in God's Wisdom In times of confusion or suffering, trust that God's plans are perfect and that He is in control, even when we don't understand. Refrain from Contending with God Avoid the temptation to argue with or question God's decisions, remembering that He sees the bigger picture. Reflect on God's Creation Take time to observe and appreciate the wonders of God's creation, which testify to His power and wisdom. People 1. God (Yahweh) In Job 40, God is the central figure who speaks directly to Job. He challenges Job's understanding and questions his ability to comprehend divine wisdom and power. God’s speech emphasizes His sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh" (יהוה), which signifies the covenantal and personal nature of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Job Job is the recipient of God's discourse in this chapter. He is a man of faith who has undergone severe trials and suffering. In Job 40, Job responds to God’s challenge with humility, acknowledging his limitations and choosing to remain silent before God's majesty. The Hebrew name "Iyov" (אִיּוֹב) reflects his role as a tested and patient servant of God. Places In Job 40, the focus is primarily on God's response to Job, highlighting His power and wisdom through the creation of the world and its creatures. However, specific geographical places are not mentioned in this chapter. Instead, the chapter emphasizes the grandeur of God's creation, particularly through the description of the Behemoth. Since there are no specific places listed in Job 40, a numbered list of places cannot be provided from this chapter. If you have any other questions or need further information, feel free to ask! Events 1. The LORD Challenges Job The chapter begins with the LORD addressing Job directly. God challenges Job's questioning of divine justice and wisdom. The LORD asks, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer" (Job 40:2). This sets the stage for Job's response and further divine discourse. 2. Job's Humble Response Job responds to the LORD's challenge with humility and repentance. He acknowledges his insignificance and decides to remain silent, saying, "Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth" (Job 40:4). This indicates Job's recognition of his limitations in understanding God's ways. 3. The LORD's Second Speech The LORD continues to speak to Job, emphasizing His power and sovereignty. God invites Job to "gird up your loins like a man" and prepare to answer Him (Job 40:7). This is a call for Job to brace himself for further divine questioning and revelation. 4. God's Challenge on Justice and Power The LORD questions Job's ability to administer justice and wield power like God. He asks, "Would you discredit My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?" (Job 40:8). This highlights the theme of divine justice and human limitations. 5. Description of Behemoth God describes the Behemoth, a powerful creature, to illustrate His creative power and the majesty of His works. The description begins with, "Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox" (Job 40:15). The Behemoth is depicted as a symbol of God's unmatched strength and creativity. Lessons from Job 40 1. Recognize God's Sovereignty In Job 40, God challenges Job to consider His unmatched power and wisdom. "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?" (Job 40:2). This reminds us that God’s sovereignty is absolute, and His plans are beyond our understanding. Embrace the peace that comes from trusting in His divine authority, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His glory and our good. 2. Embrace Humility Job’s response to God’s questions is one of humility: "Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You?" (Job 40:4). This teaches us the importance of humility in our walk with God. Recognizing our limitations and His greatness allows us to live in a posture of reverence and submission, opening our hearts to His guidance and wisdom. 3. The Power of Silence Sometimes, the best response is silence. Job says, "I place my hand over my mouth" (Job 40:4). In moments of confusion or distress, instead of rushing to speak or act, take a moment to be still and listen. This quietness can lead to deeper understanding and a more profound connection with God. 4. God's Creation as a Testament God points to the Behemoth as a demonstration of His creative power (Job 40:15-24). Observing the wonders of creation can strengthen our faith and remind us of God’s intricate design and care. Take time to appreciate the world around you as a reflection of His majesty and creativity. 5. Trust in God's Justice God’s dialogue with Job underscores His just nature. Even when we don’t understand His ways, we can trust that His justice prevails. "Would you discredit My justice?" (Job 40:8). Rest in the assurance that God’s justice is perfect, and He will ultimately set all things right. 6. Acknowledge Human Limitations Job’s encounter with God highlights our human limitations. "Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?" (Job 40:8). Accepting our finite understanding encourages us to rely more on God’s infinite wisdom. This reliance fosters a deeper faith and a more resilient spirit. 7. The Importance of Repentance Job’s humility leads him to repentance, a crucial step in restoring his relationship with God. Recognizing our faults and turning back to God is essential for spiritual growth. Let Job’s example inspire you to seek forgiveness and renewal in your own life. 8. God’s Strength in Our Weakness The description of the Behemoth serves as a metaphor for God’s strength. "His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron" (Job 40:18). In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. Lean on His power to overcome challenges and to find strength in times of need. 9. The Value of Perspective God’s questions to Job shift his perspective from his suffering to God’s grandeur. This change in viewpoint can transform our understanding of our circumstances. When faced with trials, seek to see them through the lens of God’s eternal purpose and love. 10. The Call to Faith Ultimately, Job 40 is a call to faith. Trusting in God’s character and promises, even when life is perplexing, is the essence of faith. Let this chapter encourage you to deepen your trust in God, knowing that He is faithful and His plans are for your ultimate good. Topics 1. God's Challenge to Job In Job 40:1-2, God challenges Job, asking, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer." This sets the stage for God's discourse, emphasizing His sovereignty and the futility of questioning His wisdom. The Hebrew root for "faultfinder" (רִיב, "riv") implies contention or dispute, highlighting Job's previous complaints. 2. Job's Humble Response Job 40:3-5 records Job's response: "Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth." Job acknowledges his limitations and submits to God's authority, recognizing his own insignificance in comparison to God's majesty. 3. God's Sovereignty and Power In verses 6-14, God continues to speak from the whirlwind, questioning Job's ability to match His power: "Do you have an arm like God's? Can you thunder with a voice like His?" (Job 40:9). The Hebrew word for "arm" (זְרוֹעַ, "zeroa") symbolizes strength and power, underscoring God's unmatched might. 4. The Description of Behemoth Verses 15-24 describe the Behemoth, a powerful creature made by God. "Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox" (Job 40:15). The Behemoth serves as a symbol of God's creative power and the complexity of His creation, which humans cannot fully comprehend or control. Themes 1. God's Sovereignty and Power In Job 40, God continues to assert His supreme authority and power over creation. He challenges Job's understanding and questions his ability to govern the universe. This theme is evident in verses like Job 40:9, "Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His?" The Hebrew word for "arm" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa) often symbolizes strength and power, emphasizing God's unmatched might. 2. Human Limitations and Humility The chapter highlights the limitations of human understanding and the need for humility before God. Job is reminded of his finite nature and inability to comprehend God's ways fully. In Job 40:4, Job responds, "Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth." The Hebrew root for "insignificant" (קַל, qal) conveys a sense of being light or small, underscoring human frailty. 3. The Challenge of Behemoth God describes the Behemoth, a powerful creature, to illustrate His creative power and the complexity of His works. This serves as a metaphor for God's control over all creation. In Job 40:15, God says, "Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox." The Hebrew word "בְּהֵמוֹת" (behemoth) is often interpreted as a large, powerful beast, symbolizing God's mastery over even the mightiest of creatures. 4. Divine Justice and Order The chapter also touches on the theme of divine justice and the order established by God. By questioning Job, God implies that His justice is beyond human comprehension and that His order is perfect. In Job 40:8, God asks, "Would you discredit My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?" The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) refers to God's righteous judgment and governance. Prayer Points Pray for Humility Ask God to help us approach Him with humility and a teachable spirit, recognizing our limitations. Seek Trust in God's Plan Pray for the strength to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, especially during difficult times. Praise for God's Creation Offer praise and thanksgiving for the beauty and complexity of God's creation, which reflects His power and majesty. Guidance in Understanding Request guidance from the Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding of God's character and His ways. As we reflect on Job 40, may we be reminded of the greatness of our God and the peace that comes from trusting in His perfect will. Answering Tough Questions 1. Job 40:15–24: How can the “Behemoth,” with a tail like a cedar, be any known animal, and does this suggest a mythical or extinct creature? 2. Job 40:17: If “Behemoth” truly has a tail like a cedar, why do some translations or commentators equate it with a hippopotamus or elephant, which clearly have short tails? 3. Job 40:8: Why would an all-knowing God demand Job to “discredit” His justice, and is this consistent with the broader biblical portrayal of divine fairness? 4. Job 40:1–5: What historical or archaeological evidence supports such a direct, extended conversation between God and a single individual like Job? 5. Job 40:15: If “Behemoth” refers to a dinosaur-like creature, how can this align with mainstream science’s evidence that dinosaurs and humans did not coexist? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does God's challenge to Job in verses 6-14 reveal about His character? 2. In what ways does the description of Behemoth illustrate God's omnipotence? 3. How does Job's response in verses 3-5 demonstrate humility? 4. How does Job's interaction with God in this chapter reflect the human struggle to understand suffering? 5. How might you apply the lesson of humility in your own life situations? 6. How does the narrative of Job 40 contribute to the overall theme of the Book of Job? 7. What does God's challenge to Job teach us about our limitations as human beings? 8. In what ways do you resonate with Job's response to God's challenge? 9. How can Job's situation be compared to situations of injustice or suffering in the modern world? 10. What insights does Job 40 provide on how to handle our doubts about God's fairness? 11. How does the description of the Behemoth relate to the concept of God’s sovereignty over creation? 12. How does God's response to Job inform our understanding of His divine wisdom? 13. In what ways does Job 40 challenge our perceptions about God's role in our suffering? 14. How can Job's response to God's challenge guide us in dealing with our personal dilemmas? 15. If faced with God's challenge as Job was, how would you respond? 16. What relevance does the message of Job 40 have in addressing today’s societal issues? 17. How can the principles learned from Job 40 help us in dealing with the feeling of powerlessness? 18. How does Job 40 help in understanding the relationship between divine power and human suffering? 19. What actions can you take when you find it challenging to understand God’s ways, as Job did? 20. If you were to explain the key message of Job 40 to a non-believer, how would you present it? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions