Job 40:20

KJV

Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely the mountains {H2022} bring him forth {H5375} food {H944}, where all the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704} play {H7832}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The mountains produce food for him there, where all the wild animals play.

Berean Standard Bible

The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby.

American Standard Version

Surely the mountains bring him forth food, Where all the beasts of the field do play.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:20, a powerful declaration within God's discourse to Job from the whirlwind, vividly portrays the Creator's boundless power and meticulous provision. This verse specifically describes how Behemoth, a creature of immense strength and scale, is divinely sustained by the very mountains, thriving in an environment where even other wild animals find peace and freedom. It serves as a profound illustration of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, even its most formidable elements, emphasizing His wisdom and benevolent oversight in the intricate order of the natural world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic section of the book of Job, specifically God's direct address to Job from the whirlwind, spanning [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job") through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Power Over Leviathan"). Following Job's prolonged suffering and the exhaustive theological debates with his friends, God responds not by explaining the *why* of Job's suffering, but by revealing His own infinite wisdom, power, and sovereignty over creation. Beginning in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - The Lord Answers Job from the Whirlwind"), God challenges Job's limited understanding through a series of rhetorical questions about the natural world, demonstrating His unmatched wisdom in creation's design and sustenance. The detailed descriptions of Behemoth (from [Job 40:15](/job/40-15 "Job 40:15 - Description of Behemoth Begins")) and subsequently Leviathan (in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - Description of Leviathan")) serve as the pinnacle of this demonstration, showcasing God's unrivaled might and control over even the most formidable and untamed creatures. Job 40:20, in particular, highlights Behemoth's divinely provided sustenance and harmonious habitat, powerfully reinforcing the idea that even the most immense and wild creatures are utterly dependent on God's design and meticulous care.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a creator deity bringing order out of chaos was prevalent, often involving divine battles with primordial monsters or untamed forces. While Behemoth and Leviathan are presented as real, albeit awe-inspiring, creatures, their descriptions evoke the wonder, fear, and respect associated with such powerful, untamed elements of nature. By presenting these creatures as His own creations, fully under His control and sustained by His hand, God directly refutes any notion of independent chaotic powers or rival deities. The "mountains" as a source of food would have been understood as a natural, yet divinely orchestrated, abundance, sharply contrasting with human efforts to cultivate and control. The wilderness, often perceived as wild, dangerous, and chaotic, is here portrayed as a place of God's benevolent provision and even peaceful coexistence, highlighting His sovereignty over all domains, whether cultivated or untamed. This perspective would have been striking to an audience familiar with the struggles of survival in the wild.
* **Key Themes:** Job 40:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision**, emphasizing that God, the ultimate Sustainer, meticulously provides for all His creatures, even those as immense and wild as Behemoth. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, as seen in [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God's Provision for All Creatures"), which speaks of all creatures waiting on God for their food, and Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Consider the Birds of the Air") about God feeding the birds. Secondly, the verse underscores God's **Sovereignty Over Creation**. His ability to create, control, and sustain such a powerful beast, ensuring its flourishing in the wild, demonstrates His unrivaled authority over every aspect of the natural world, from the smallest microbe to the largest creature. This absolute dominion is a core message of God's discourse to Job in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Power Over Creation"). Lastly, the imagery highlights **Nature's Abundance and Freedom**. The depiction of "all the beasts of the field play" alongside Behemoth suggests not only a lack of fear but also a divinely ordered ecosystem where even formidable creatures find their place and enjoy their existence, free from human control, under God's benevolent oversight. This speaks to the inherent goodness and wisdom of God's creation, even in its untamed state, a concept also found in [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15 "Psalm 145:15-16 - God Satisfies Every Living Thing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mountains (Hebrew, _har_):** A shortened form of הָרָר, referring to a mountain or range of hills. In this context, "mountains" are not merely static geographical features but are poetically depicted as active agents of provision. They symbolize the vast, untamed, and abundant resources of the wilderness, emphasizing the scale and naturalness of Behemoth's sustenance. The choice of "mountains" underscores the rugged, wild, and immense nature of Behemoth's habitat and the corresponding magnitude of God's provision.
* **Bring him forth (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative." Here, it conveys an active, almost generative, role for the mountains. It's not just that food *grows* there, but that the mountains *actively provide* or *produce* it for Behemoth. This active verb highlights the dynamic and intentional nature of God's provision through His creation, ensuring Behemoth's needs are met with abundance and without human intervention.
* **Play (Hebrew, _sâchaq_):** A primitive root meaning "to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play." In this context, it vividly portrays joyful, carefree activity. The image of other wild animals "playing" alongside Behemoth suggests not only a lack of fear but also a harmonious, secure, and abundant environment. It speaks to the peace and order established by the Creator, even in the untamed wilderness, where creatures can thrive and express natural joy under divine care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely the mountains bring him forth food":** This initial clause emphatically establishes the source and nature of Behemoth's sustenance. The opening "Surely" (or "Indeed") underscores the certainty and divine origin of this provision. The "mountains" are personified as the bountiful suppliers, actively producing or yielding food for Behemoth. This signifies that God, through the natural order He established, ensures that even the largest and most powerful of His creatures are fully and abundantly provided for, without human intervention or cultivation. It powerfully underscores God's complete control over the vast, uncultivated resources of the earth.
* **"where all the beasts of the field play":** This second clause describes the thriving environment in which Behemoth exists. It paints a vivid picture of a wilderness teeming with life, where other wild animals coexist peacefully and even joyfully alongside the formidable Behemoth. The word "play" suggests a state of security, contentment, and freedom from threat, indicating a perfectly ordered and harmonious ecosystem. This detail further emphasizes God's sovereign design, where even the most powerful creatures do not disrupt the peace and well-being of others in their divinely appointed habitat, showcasing a creation that is not only sustained but also joyful and well-ordered.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is clearly evident in the phrase "the mountains bring him forth food," attributing an active, nurturing, and almost intentional role to inanimate geographical features. This suggests a living, responsive creation that actively participates in God's command and provision. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a compelling picture of a vast, wild, yet surprisingly harmonious landscape where a colossal creature is abundantly fed and other animals frolic in peace. This imagery evokes a sense of awe at the sheer scale, intricate order, and benevolent nature of God's creation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the description of Behemoth's sustenance. While mountains do provide vegetation, the phrasing "bring him forth food" suggests an almost miraculous, overflowing provision commensurate with Behemoth's immense size, underscoring the boundless nature of God's care and the inexhaustible resources at His disposal. Finally, the verse presents a subtle yet significant **Contrast** between the untamed power and formidable presence of Behemoth and the peaceful, carefree "play" of the other beasts. This contrast brilliantly demonstrates God's unique ability to order even the wild and potentially chaotic aspects of His creation into a state of balance, harmony, and well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:20 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with creation. It serves as a powerful testament to God's universal providence, demonstrating that His meticulous care extends to every living thing, regardless of its size, wildness, or perceived insignificance. If God meticulously provides for a creature as immense and untamed as Behemoth, ensuring its sustenance from the vastness of the mountains and a habitat where other wild beasts can "play" securely, then His care for humanity, whom He created in His own image and loves deeply, is immeasurably greater. This verse challenges human-centric views of creation, reminding us that all life is sustained by God's wisdom and power, not just what directly benefits humanity. It reinforces the biblical truth that God's wisdom is displayed not only in the grand acts of creation but also in the intricate, ongoing sustenance of every creature, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and benevolent oversight of the entire cosmos. It calls us to a deeper trust in His all-encompassing care.

* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God's Provision for All Creatures")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Consider the Birds of the Air")
* [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15 "Psalm 145:15-16 - God Satisfies Every Living Thing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 40:20 offers a powerful invitation to trust in God's unfailing provision and sovereign care, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances, much like Job himself. If God's wisdom and power are so vast that He can effortlessly sustain a creature as immense and wild as Behemoth, ensuring its food from the rugged mountains and a peaceful habitat for all the beasts, how much more can we trust Him to meet our needs? This verse encourages us to release our anxieties and fears, recognizing that our Heavenly Father, who manages the intricate ecosystems of the wild with such meticulous detail, is fully capable of providing for every aspect of our lives. It reminds us that true security is found not in our own efforts or limited understanding, but in surrendering to the flawless plan and infinite wisdom of the Creator. We are called to observe the natural world and learn from God's perfect management, finding peace in His benevolent oversight and acknowledging that His ways are far beyond our comprehension, yet always for our ultimate good. This perspective cultivates humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of peace in the face of life's uncertainties.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for a creature like Behemoth challenge my own anxieties about my daily needs and future security?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own understanding or efforts rather than trusting in God's sovereign care and provision?**
* **What does the imagery of "all the beasts of the field play" alongside a formidable creature like Behemoth teach me about finding peace and joy in God's created order, even amidst life's wildness?**

### FAQ
**What is Behemoth, and why is it significant in this context?**

Answer: Behemoth is a colossal creature described by God in [Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15-24 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth"). While its exact identity is debated—often interpreted as a hippopotamus, elephant, or a creature with mythological overtones representing primal power—its significance lies not in its precise zoological classification, but in its role as a powerful demonstration of God's immense power and sovereignty. Behemoth is presented as a creature so mighty that only God can control it, embodying the untamed forces of creation. By highlighting His absolute mastery over such a formidable beast, God underscores His ability to order and sustain even what seems uncontrollable, thereby challenging Job's limited perspective and reinforcing God's ultimate authority over all creation.

**How do "mountains bring him forth food" for Behemoth?**

Answer: The phrase "the mountains bring him forth food" is a poetic and vivid expression of God's abundant provision through the natural world. It doesn't imply that mountains literally sprout prepared meals, but rather that the vast, rugged, and uncultivated mountainous regions provide ample vegetation and resources necessary to sustain a creature of Behemoth's immense size. This imagery emphasizes the natural, self-sustaining ecosystem designed and maintained by God's hand. It signifies that the entire wilderness, orchestrated by the Creator, yields sufficient sustenance for Behemoth, highlighting God's meticulous design and boundless provision for all His creatures without human intervention, as also seen in [Psalm 147:9](/psalms/147-9 "Psalm 147:9 - God Provides for the Young Ravens"). It speaks to the inherent productivity of God's creation under His divine oversight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine provision for Behemoth in Job 40:20, where the mountains yield food and wild beasts play in harmony, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a recipient of God's provision but the very agent and embodiment of it. As the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All Things")), Christ is the divine architect and sustainer of the very ecosystems that feed Behemoth. His teachings consistently point to God's meticulous care, assuring His disciples that if God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, He will surely provide for His children, for they are of more value than many sparrows ([Matthew 6:26-30](/matthew/6-26-30 "Matthew 6:26-30 - God's Care for Creation")). Furthermore, the "play" of the beasts in Behemoth's habitat foreshadows the peace and harmony of the new creation, a reality inaugurated by Christ's redemptive work. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bringing reconciliation not only between God and humanity but also ultimately restoring the created order to its intended shalom, where "the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the young goat" ([Isaiah 11:6](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6 - The Peaceable Kingdom")). In Christ, God's sovereign power over creation is perfectly displayed, and His abundant provision culminates in the gift of eternal life and spiritual nourishment, for He is the "bread of life" who satisfies every hunger and thirst ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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

Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

Psalms 104:26

There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.

Job 40:15

¶ Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Psalms 147:9

He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.