Job 41:20
Smoke billows from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds.
Smoke billows
The imagery of smoke billowing is evocative of a powerful and fearsome presence. In the Hebrew text, the word for "smoke" (עָשָׁן, 'ashan) often symbolizes divine wrath or judgment, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament. This phrase suggests an overwhelming and awe-inspiring force, much like the presence of God at Mount Sinai, where smoke enveloped the mountain (Exodus 19:18). The billowing smoke from the creature's nostrils emphasizes its formidable nature, drawing a parallel to the divine power and majesty of God Himself.

from his nostrils
The nostrils are often associated with breath and life in biblical literature. In Hebrew, the word for nostrils (אַף, 'aph) can also mean anger or wrath, indicating a fierce and intense emotion. This dual meaning enriches the description of the creature, suggesting not only its physical might but also its potential for destructive power. The nostrils as a source of smoke further underline the creature's terrifying presence, akin to a dragon or a mythical beast, which in ancient Near Eastern cultures often symbolized chaos and opposition to divine order.

as from a boiling pot
The comparison to a boiling pot conjures images of intense heat and energy. In ancient times, a boiling pot was a common metaphor for turmoil and upheaval, as seen in Jeremiah 1:13, where a boiling pot represents impending disaster. This phrase underscores the creature's dynamic and uncontrollable nature, much like the chaotic forces that God alone can tame. The boiling pot also signifies transformation and purification, hinting at the refining power of trials and tribulations in the believer's life.

over burning reeds
Reeds were commonly used as fuel in the ancient world, known for their quick and intense burn. The phrase "burning reeds" suggests a fierce and consuming fire, emphasizing the creature's fiery and destructive capabilities. In the broader biblical context, fire often symbolizes God's purifying presence and judgment, as seen in passages like Malachi 3:2-3. The burning reeds, therefore, not only highlight the creature's fearsome nature but also serve as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over all creation, including the most formidable forces of chaos and destruction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogues with friends and God about the nature of suffering and divine justice.

2. Leviathan
A mythical sea creature described in Job 41, symbolizing chaos and power. The description of Leviathan serves to illustrate God's unmatched power and the futility of human pride.

3. God
The ultimate speaker in this passage, who uses the description of Leviathan to demonstrate His sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding.

4. The Sea
Often a symbol of chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern literature, representing the untamable aspects of creation that only God can control.

5. Boiling Pot and Burning Reeds
Imagery used to describe the fierce and untamable nature of Leviathan, emphasizing the creature's power and the futility of human attempts to control it.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The description of Leviathan serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over all creation, including the most powerful and chaotic forces.

Human Limitations
The imagery of Leviathan challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us of our limitations and the need to trust in God's wisdom and power.

The Power of God’s Word
Just as God describes Leviathan with vivid imagery, His Word is powerful and effective, capable of revealing deep truths about His nature and our relationship with Him.

Trust in God's Plan
In the face of chaos and uncertainty, believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, knowing that He is in control and works all things for good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Leviathan in Job 41:20 challenge our understanding of God's power and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can the imagery of smoke and boiling pots be applied to our understanding of spiritual battles and the chaos we face in life?

3. How does the concept of Leviathan as a symbol of chaos relate to other biblical themes of God's victory over evil?

4. What practical steps can we take to remind ourselves of God's control and sovereignty in our daily lives, especially during times of uncertainty?

5. How can the lessons from Job 41:20 encourage us to trust in God's wisdom and plan, even when we do not understand our circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 104
This Psalm praises God for His creation, including the sea creatures, and highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, similar to the themes in Job 41.

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

Revelation 12:9
The imagery of a great dragon, often associated with Leviathan, is used to depict the ultimate defeat of Satan, connecting the themes of chaos and divine victory.
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
Blown, Boiling, Burning, Caldron, Cauldron, Fire, Forth, Goes, Issueth, Nose, Nostrils, Pot, Pours, Reeds, Rushes, Seething, Smoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 41:20

     4502   reed
     4848   smoke
     5171   nose
     5445   potters and pottery

Job 41:1-34

     4604   animals, nature of

Job 41:18-21

     4834   light, natural

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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