The Behemoth The LORD introduces behemoth in the narrative of Job (Job 40:15-24). God began to answer Job and his company in chapter 38 with a series of questions that demonstrate the might and power of God. When God introduces behemoth, He is continuing to emphasize His own strength and might. Behemoth was a mighty creature, whereas Job was not.
Behemoth is unique to Job as he is the only Biblical writer to mention this creature. The word behemoth is the plural word used to describe a creature that is unlike other creatures familiar to modern man. The LORD describes behemoth as a land creature.
- He eats grass as an ox (40:15).
- He has a tail that moves like a cedar tree (40:17).
- He is a thirsty creature that “drinketh up a river” (40:23).
There have been attempts to identify this creature as something we know: like an elephant or hippopotamus, but their tails are quite smaller than a cedar tree.
There is no reason to disbelieve that this creature was a real being that is now extinct. It is very possible that this was one of the many dinosaur creatures of long ago. God’s point to Job was that He made this creature and knows all about him. God also made Job and knew all about him, too. By way of application, God made you and knows all about you as well.
Once again, the lesson that we can learn from behemoth is that God is a mighty God and that He is in control. We may not be able to control the things of life, but we can know the God who is in control. The obvious application is that we should trust this Almighty God. As God proceeded in the narrative to Job (chapter 40), He said to Job that man cannot contend with God and win. Man cannot reprove God. Job’s response was, “I am vile” (Job 40:4). That should be our response to the Almighty God. The pride of man must be brought low (40:12), and with that God says, “Behold now, behemoth, …” and beholding behemoth, we should behold God. (LEH)
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