Job 40:1-24
Q.1. What did God think of Job’s questions? How did Job respond to God? On what basis would God be obliged to answer those He has made? – (Job 40:1-14)
God has unveiled many aspects of creation He has made (Man at best can only discover what is already there). He responded to Job’s questions astutely – Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it (Job 40:1). Job had stepped beyond asking questions, to complaining about God’s dealings with him. To his credit, when it was pointed out Job responded – 4 Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. 5 Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice and I will add nothing more (Job 40:4-5). In contrast to the greatness of God, Job was insignificant. He realized his mistake and made a clear decision to say no more. God challenged Job to advise Him on anything at all. Job needed come to come to grips with his frailty and the limits of his power, and his inability to humble the proud. In his attempts to justify himself, Job had made the monumental mistake of doubting the character of God. Without God’s intervention we are totally unable to save ourselves (Job 40:14).
Q.2. What animal was God speaking of? Did Job know of their existence? What makes Behemoth so formidable? What point was God making? – (Job 40:15-24)
God now described Behemoth, that some commentators have suggested was a hippopotamus. Like the hippopotamus, this beast was enormously armour-plated, and dwelt in rivers. However it doesn’t qualify, since – he bends his tail like a cedar (Job 40:17). Therefore, God was describing some dinosaur-like creature back in Job’s time. It was a creature that Job recognized. God made Behemoth, yet God says – he is the first of the ways of God (Job 40:19). Moreover – Can anyone capture him when he is on watch … with barbs can anyone pierce his nose? (Job 40:24). God was pointing out that He made both man and Behemoth. If we have so little control over such a beast, who are we to question God’s doings?