Job 40:19

KJV

He [is] the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach [unto him].

KJV (with Strong's)

He is the chief {H7225} of the ways {H1870} of God {H410}: he that made {H6213} him can make {H5066} his sword {H2719} to approach {H5066} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"He ranks first among God's works. Only his maker can approach him with his sword.

Berean Standard Bible

He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him.

American Standard Version

He is the chief of the ways of God: Heonlythat made him giveth him his sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:19, situated within God's awe-inspiring discourse to Job, describes Behemoth as "the chief of the ways of God," highlighting its unparalleled majesty and strength among earthly creatures. This verse powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty, declaring that the Creator, who fashioned such a formidable being, retains ultimate control and can easily subdue or judge it, thereby emphasizing divine omnipotence and humbling human understanding in the face of God's magnificent power and unchallengeable authority over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 40:19 is situated within the climactic section of the book of Job, specifically God's direct address to Job from a whirlwind, spanning [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - Description of Leviathan"). After Job's persistent questioning of divine justice and wisdom, God responds not with a direct explanation of Job's suffering, but with a series of rhetorical questions and vivid descriptions of His creation. This divine monologue is designed to demonstrate His infinite power, wisdom, and sovereign control over the cosmos. Behemoth is introduced in [Job 40:15](/job/40-15 "Job 40:15 - Introduction of Behemoth") and described through [Job 40:24](/job/40-24 "Job 40:24 - Behemoth's Power and Invulnerability"). Following Behemoth, God describes Leviathan in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - Description of Leviathan"). These two creatures, often interpreted as real, albeit exceptionally powerful, animals (like a hippopotamus or crocodile, or perhaps symbolic beasts representing chaos), serve as irrefutable evidence of God's creative might, far surpassing human ability to comprehend or control. Verse 19 specifically elevates Behemoth to a preeminent status among God's terrestrial works, setting the stage for the declaration of God's unassailable authority over even His most formidable creations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Palestine, and reflects a wisdom tradition that grapples with profound questions of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty. While the exact identity of Behemoth and Leviathan has been debated by scholars, ancient Near Eastern cultures often featured mythical creatures in their cosmologies, symbolizing chaos or untamed power. However, the biblical text presents Behemoth and Leviathan not as independent deities or chaotic forces, but as creatures created by God, firmly under His dominion. This directly contrasts with pagan mythologies where gods might struggle against such primordial forces. The KJV's "chief of the ways of God" (ראשית דרכי אל) suggests a creature of unparalleled grandeur, a "first-fruits" or "masterpiece" of God's creative work, reflecting an ancient understanding of a hierarchical creation where certain animals embodied immense power and mystery. The "sword" as a metaphor for divine judgment or decisive action is a common motif in ancient Near Eastern literature and the Old Testament, signifying the ultimate authority of a king or deity.

* **Key Themes:** Job 40:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Supreme Creative Power and Wisdom**. Behemoth's description as "the chief of the ways of God" emphasizes the incredible might and artistry of the Creator, showcasing a creature so immense and powerful that it stands as a testament to God's unparalleled genius in creation. This resonates with the broader biblical declaration that creation itself proclaims God's glory, as seen in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Absolute Authority**. The assertion that "he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him" is a potent declaration that despite Behemoth's formidable nature, its Creator holds ultimate control over it. No creature, however mighty, operates outside God's sovereign will or beyond His reach, reinforcing the truth that God's dominion extends over all creation, as affirmed in [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over All Inhabitants of the Earth"). Finally, the description of Behemoth serves to instill **Human Humility in the Face of God's Majesty**. By presenting such an overwhelming creature, God demonstrates to Job the vast chasm between human understanding and divine wisdom. If Job cannot even contend with or comprehend the full scope of God's creation, how can he presume to question the justice or wisdom of the Almighty? This theme runs throughout God's discourse from the whirlwind, challenging Job's limited perspective and calling him to a posture of awe and submission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** From H7225, this word typically means "beginning," "first," or "first-fruits." In the context of Job 40:19, when applied to Behemoth, it signifies preeminence in terms of power, size, or magnificence rather than chronological priority. Behemoth is presented as the "foremost," "principal," or "masterpiece" among God's created works, particularly among terrestrial creatures. It serves as a prime example, a crowning achievement of God's creative power, demonstrating the Creator's unlimited capacity to bring forth beings of immense strength and scale.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this word literally means "a road" or "path," but figuratively denotes a "course of life," "mode of action," or "works." In this verse, "ways of God" refers to God's creative acts or His works in creation. Thus, Behemoth is the "chief" or "masterpiece" among God's creative works, highlighting its extraordinary nature as a testament to divine craftsmanship and power.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this word literally means "sword" or "cutting instrument." In biblical contexts, a sword is a common symbol for divine judgment, power, decisive action, or the instrument of God's wrath and destruction. Here, it is a powerful metaphor for God's ultimate authority and ability to subdue or destroy even the mightiest of His creations. Despite Behemoth's formidable nature, the "sword" of God can "approach unto him," meaning God can effortlessly bring His power or judgment to bear upon this creature, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and control over all things, including the most powerful elements of His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He [is] the chief of the ways of God:"** This clause establishes Behemoth's unique status in creation. It signifies that Behemoth is not merely one animal among many, but a preeminent example of God's creative power and design. It is a "masterpiece" or "first-fruits" of God's works, showcasing His ability to create beings of immense strength, size, and resilience. This declaration elevates Behemoth to a position of unparalleled grandeur within the terrestrial realm, serving as a powerful testament to the Creator's boundless might and wisdom.
* **"he that made him can make his sword to approach [unto him]."** This second clause directly asserts God's absolute sovereignty over Behemoth. Despite the creature's formidable nature, the God who created it retains full control. The "sword" is a metaphor for divine power, judgment, or decisive action, indicating that God can effortlessly subdue, judge, or even destroy Behemoth if He chooses. This statement serves to humble Job and any human observer, demonstrating that no creature, however mighty, can stand against the Creator's will or escape His ultimate authority. It underscores that God's power is not merely displayed in creation, but also in His sovereign control over all that He has made.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The preceding description of Behemoth (Job 40:15-18) itself is a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating its immense power and invincibility (e.g., "bones are like bars of iron," "tail sways like a cedar") to emphasize God's even greater power. The phrase "chief of the ways of God" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "ways" (referring to God's creative acts) stands for the creatures themselves, and "chief" denotes Behemoth's preeminence among them. Most significantly, the "sword" in "can make his sword to approach unto him" is a powerful **Metaphor**. It is not a literal sword, but a symbolic representation of God's divine power, judgment, and ultimate authority. This metaphor vividly communicates that God, the Creator, possesses the ultimate means to subdue or destroy even His mightiest creation, reinforcing His unchallengeable sovereignty. The entire passage, as part of God's direct address, is also an example of **Theophany**, where God reveals Himself and His attributes through His creation, challenging human perception and fostering awe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:19 profoundly articulates God's absolute sovereignty and His unparalleled creative power. It demonstrates that even the most formidable and awe-inspiring elements of creation are utterly subject to the will of their Maker. This truth serves to humble humanity, reminding us that if we cannot contend with or fully comprehend God's creatures, how much less can we question or grasp the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator Himself. The verse asserts that God's power is not merely manifested in creation, but also in His ongoing, unchallenged dominion over all He has made, assuring us that nothing is beyond His control or purpose.

* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "God's Wisdom in Creation")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God's Comprehensive Control")
* [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "All Things From, Through, and To God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 40:19 calls us to a profound posture of humility and awe before the Creator. In a world that often seeks to assert human control or questions divine justice in the face of suffering, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unassailable omnipotence and wisdom. It encourages us to trust in a God who not only brought forth the most magnificent and powerful creatures but also holds absolute sway over them. When faced with overwhelming circumstances or seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that the God who effortlessly controls Behemoth also orchestrates the details of our lives. This understanding should lead us to surrender our anxieties, submit our limited understanding to His infinite wisdom, and rest in His sovereign care, knowing that His power is far greater than any problem we might encounter and that His purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Behemoth in Job 40:15-24, and particularly verse 19, challenge your perception of God's power and control?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to surrender control, and how does the truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation speak to those struggles?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper sense of awe for God's creation lead to greater trust in His wisdom and plan for your life, even amidst unanswered questions or suffering?**

### FAQ
**What is Behemoth, and why is it called "the chief of the ways of God"?**

Answer: Behemoth, described in [Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15-24 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth"), is a creature of immense size and power, often identified by scholars as a hippopotamus or a large, powerful land animal, though some interpret it as a mythical or symbolic beast representing primeval forces. The phrase "chief of the ways of God" (ראשית דרכי אל, _reshith darkey El_) means it is the "foremost," "principal," or "masterpiece" among God's created works, particularly among terrestrial creatures. It signifies that Behemoth is a preeminent example of God's creative might and artistry, not necessarily the first creature created chronologically, but one that supremely demonstrates the Creator's boundless power and wisdom in bringing forth such a formidable being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 40:19 directly speaks of God the Father's sovereignty over creation, its profound declaration of divine power and ultimate control finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a creature, but the eternal Son of God, through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). Just as God the Father can make His "sword" approach Behemoth, so too does Christ, as the pre-existent Word of God ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator")), possess absolute authority over all creation, including the forces of chaos and evil that Behemoth might symbolize. He demonstrated this sovereignty by calming storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), casting out demons ([Luke 8:29-33](/luke/8-29-33 "Luke 8:29-33 - Jesus Casts Out Demons")), and ultimately conquering death itself through His resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). The power of God displayed in creating and controlling Behemoth is fully embodied in Christ, who holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and who will ultimately bring all things into submission to Himself ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Christ's Power to Subdue All Things")). Thus, the awe inspired by Behemoth's Creator points us to the even greater awe due to Christ, the sovereign Lord and Redeemer, who upholds the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 26:13

By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

Psalms 7:12

If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Job 41:33

Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.