Bible Study Notes in Job- Chapter 40

Job 40



-The LORD and Job converse at the beginning of this section. God asks Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?” Then He remarks, “Let him who reproves God answer it.” Job briefly answers the LORD with resignation, “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth (stop my speech). Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; even twice, and I will add nothing more (Job 40:1-5).”

-Out of the storm, the LORD answers again telling Job to gird up his loins then like a man and try to instruct the Sovereign if he dare. God questions, “Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? Or do you have an Arm like God, and can you thunder with a Voice like His?” The Father challenges Job, the one whom He created, to adorn himself with eminence and dignity and to clothe himself with honor and majesty if he can. He continues by imploring Job to pour out the overflowings of his anger and to look on everyone who is proud and make them low. He reiterates this point on pride, “Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him, and tread down the wicked where they stand. Hide them in the dust together; bind them in the hidden place.” “Then,” says the LORD, “I will also confess to you, that your own right hand can save you (Job 40:6-14).” God is simply but wisely pointing out His transcendent nature here to a beleaguered man who cannot understand his torment. He is describing His incomprehensible understanding of the whole situation to an individual with limited understanding. God sees the bigger picture. Job does not.

-The LORD takes this opportunity to go back to His monolog demonstrating His knowledge and power over His creatures. He speaks of the Behemoth (possibly an Elephant or Hippopotamus= River Horse in the Greek). God made this creature as well as mankind. This animal eats grass like an ox, and his vast strength is in his loins. His power is in the muscles of his belly. His tail is strong like a cedar tree, and the sinews of his thighs are knit together in strength. “His bones are tubes of bronze; His limbs are like bars of iron.” What a specimen. The LORD claims he is the first of the ways of God. The next Scriptural phrase, “Let his maker bring near his sword,” is a difficult observation to interpret. Perhaps it might be reflecting God’s strength alone in relation to this powerful animal with possible reference to its teeth, which can be like a sword. It could be another challenge to Job’s obvious misunderstandings and judgments. Whatever the case, the LORD goes on to discuss how the mountains naturally bring down his food into the lowlands with water, where all the beasts of the field play. Under the lotus plants the Behemoth lies down “in the covert of the reeds and the marsh.” He is covered lovingly there by the Creator with shade of the lotus plants, and the willows of the brook surround him with care. “If the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is confident, though the Jordan rushes to his mouth.” Here is an example God gives Job of hanging in there with trust and belief in times of distress and potential harm. The LORD finishes this sequence with one more thought on the theme of alertness, “Can anyone capture him when he is on watch, with barbs can anyone pierce his nose (Job 40:15-24)?”

-*Application* I love these last two verses in the LORD’s teaching during this poetic narrative. Confidence in how God has designed us to withstand the storms of life, which He allows by the way, is so crucial for our success. We get this brilliant picture of a strong animal that is unalarmed in flood waters rushing down the river because he trusts in the Creator’s plan and will. God gives us the power, we just need to appropriate that in faith. Being alert and ready is also key (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Peter 5:8). We must be paying attention to the spiritual realm at all times and let nothing take us by surprise. Keep watch, just like the Behemoth, to avoid the capture of sins’ footholds and strongholds (2 John 1:8). This is why the study of God’s Word and practicing His presence is so vital to our walk.





Verses to Memorize: Job 40:8, 23-24