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Commentary on Job 41 verses 11–34
God, having in the foregoing verses shown Job how unable he was to deal with the leviathan, here sets forth his own power in that massy mighty creature. Here is,
I. God's sovereign dominion and independency laid down, Job 41:11. 1. That he is indebted to none of his creatures. If any pretend he is indebted to them, let them make their demand and prove their debt, and they shall receive it in full and not by composition: "Who has prevented me?" that is, "who has laid any obligations upon me by any services he has done me? Who can pretend to be before-hand with me? If any were, I would not long be behind-hand with them; I would soon repay them." The apostle quotes this for the silencing of all flesh in God's presence, Rom 11:35. Who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed to him again? As God does not inflict upon us the evils we have deserved, so he does bestow upon us the favours we have not deserved. 2. That he is the rightful Lord and owner of all the creatures: "Whatsoever is under the whole heaven, animate or inanimate, is mine (and particularly this leviathan), at my command and disposal, what I have an incontestable property in and dominion over." All is his; we are his, all we have and do; and therefore we cannot make God our debtor; but of thy own, Lord, have we given thee. All is his, and therefore, if he were indebted to any, he has wherewithal to repay them; the debt is in good hands. All is his, and therefore he needs not our services, nor can he be benefited by them. If I were hungry I would not tell thee, for the world is mind and the fulness thereof, Psa 50:12.
II. The proof and illustration of it, from the wonderful structure of the leviathan, Job 41:12.
1.The parts of his body, the power he exerts, especially when he is set upon, and the comely proportion of the whole of him, are what God will not conceal, and therefore what we must observe and acknowledge the power of God in. Though he is a creature of monstrous bulk, yet there is in him a comely proportion. In our eye beauty lies in that which is small (inest sua gratia parvis - little things have a gracefulness all their own) because we ourselves are so; but in God's eye even the leviathan is comely; and, if he pronounce even the whale, event he crocodile, so, it is not for us to say of any of the works of his hands that they are ugly of ill-favoured; it is enough to say so, as we have cause, of our own works. God here goes about to give us an anatomical view (as it were) of the leviathan; for his works appear most beautiful and excellent, and his wisdom and power appear most in them, when they are taken in pieces and viewed in their several parts and proportions. (1.) The leviathan, even prima facie - at first sight, appears formidable and inaccessible, Job 41:13, Job 41:14. Who dares come so near him while he is alive as to discover or take a distinct view of the face of the garment, the skin with which he is clothed as with a garment, so near him as to bridle him like a horse and so lead him away, so near him as to be within reach of his jaws, which are like a double bridle? Who will venture to look into his mouth, as we do into a horse's mouth? He that opens the doors of his face will see his teeth terrible round about, strong and sharp, and fitted to devour; it would make a man tremble to think of having a leg or an arm between them. (2.) His scales are his beauty and strength, and therefore his pride, Job 41:15-17. The crocodile is indeed remarkable for his scales; if we understand it of the whale, we must understand by these shields (for so the word is) the several coats of his skin; or there might be whales in that country with scales. That which is remarkable concerning the scales is that they stick so close together, by which he is not only kept warm, for no air can pierce him, but kept safe, for no sword can pierce him through those scales. Fishes, that live in the water, are fortified accordingly by the wisdom of Providence, which gives clothes as it gives cold. (3.) He scatters terror with his very breath and looks; if he sneeze or spout up water, it is like a light shining, either with the froth or the light of the sun shining through it, Job 41:18. The eyes of the whale are reported to shine in the night-time like a flame, or, as here, like the eye-lids of the morning; the same they say of the crocodile. The breath of this creature is so hot and fiery, from the great natural heat within, that burning lamps and sparks of fire, smoke and a flame, are said to go out of his mouth, even such as one would think sufficient to set coals on fire, Job 41:19-21. Probably these hyperbolical expressions are used concerning the leviathan to intimate the terror of the wrath of God, for that is it which all this is designed to convince us of. Fire out of his mouth devours, Psa 18:7, Psa 18:8. The breath of the Almighty, like a stream of brimstone, kindles Tophet, and will for ever keep it burning, Isa 30:33. The wicked one shall be consumed with the breath of his mouth, Th2 2:8. (4.) He is of invincible strength and most terrible fierceness, so that he frightens all that come in his way, but is not himself frightened by any. Take a view of his neck, and there remains strength, Job 41:22. his head and his body are well set together. Sorrow rejoices (or rides in triumph) before him, for he makes terrible work wherever he comes. Or, Those storms which are the sorrow of others are his joys; what is tossing to others is dancing to him. His flesh is well knit, Job 41:23. The flakes of it are joined so closely together, and are so firm, that it is hard to pierce it; he is as if he were all bone. His flesh is of brass, which Job had complained his was not, Job 6:12. His heart is as firm as a stone, Job 41:24. He has spirit equal to his bodily strength, and, though he is bulky, he is sprightly, and not unwieldy. As his flesh and skin cannot be pierced, so his courage cannot be daunted; but, on the contrary, he daunts all he meets and puts them into a consternation (Job 41:25): When he raises up himself like a moving mountain in the great waters even the mighty are afraid lest he should overturn their ships or do them some other mischief. By reason of the breakings he makes in the water, which threaten death, they purify themselves, confess their sins, betake themselves to their prayers, and get ready for death. We read (Job 3:8) of those who, when they raise up a leviathan, are in such a fright that they curse the day. It was a fear which, it seems, used to drive some to their curses and others to their prayers; for, as now, so then there were seafaring men of different characters and on whom the terrors of the sea have contrary effects; but all agree there is a great fright among them when the leviathan raises up himself. (5.) All the instruments of slaughter that are used against him do him no hurt and therefore are not error to him, Job 41:26-29. The sword and the spear, which wound nigh at hand, are nothing to him; the darts, arrows, and sling-stones, which wound at a distance, do him no damage; nature has so well armed him cap-a-pie - at all points, against them all. The defensive weapons which men use when they engage with the leviathan, as the habergeon, or breast-plate, often serve men no more than their offensive weapons; iron and brass are to him as straw and rotten wood, and he laughs at them. It is the picture of a hard-hearted sinner, that despises the terrors of the Almighty and laughs at all the threatenings of his word. The leviathan so little dreads the weapons that are used against him that, to show how hardy he is, he chooses to lie on the sharp stones, the sharp-pointed things (Job 41:30), and lies as easy there as if he lay on the soft mire. Those that would endure hardness must inure themselves to it. (6.) His very motion in the water troubles it and puts it into a ferment, Job 41:31, Job 41:32. When he rolls, and tosses, and makes a stir in the water, or is in pursuit of his prey, he makes the deep to boil like a pot, he raises a great froth and foam upon the water, such as is upon a boiling pot, especially a pot of boiling ointment; and he makes a path to shine after him, which even a ship in the midst of the sea does not, Pro 30:19. One may trace the leviathan under water by the bubbles on the surface; and yet who can take that advantage against him in pursuing him? Men track hares in the snow and kill them, but he that tracks the leviathan dares not come near him.
2.Having given this particular account of his parts, and his power, and his comely proportion, he concludes with four things in general concerning this animal: - (1.) That he is a non-such among the inferior creatures: Upon earth there is not his like, Job 41:33. No creature in this world is comparable to him for strength and terror. Or the earth is here distinguished from the sea: His dominion is not upon the earth (so some), but in the waters. None of all the savage creatures upon earth come near him for bulk and strength, and it is well for man that he is confined to the waters and there has a watch set upon him (Job 7:12) by the divine Providence, for, if such a terrible creature were allowed to roam and ravage upon this earth, it would be an unsafe and uncomfortable habitation for the children of men, for whom it is intended. (2.) That he is more bold and daring than any other creature whatsoever: He is made without fear. The creatures are as they are made; the leviathan has courage in his constitution, nothing can frighten him; other creatures, quite contrary, seem as much designed for flying as this for fighting. So, among men, some are in their natural temper bold, others are timorous. (3.) That he is himself very proud; though lodged in the deep, yet he beholds all high things, Job 41:34. The rolling waves, the impending rocks, the hovering clouds, and the ships under sail with top and top-gallant, this mighty animal beholds with contempt, for he does not think they either lessen him or threaten him. Those that are great are apt to be scornful. (4.) That he is a king over all the children of pride, that is, he is the proudest of all proud ones. He has more to be proud of (so Mr. Caryl expounds it) than the proudest people in the world have; and so it is a mortification to the haughtiness and lofty looks of men. Whatever bodily accomplishments men are proud of, and puffed up with, the leviathan excels them and is a king over them. Some read it so as to understand it of God: He that beholds all high things, even he, is King over all the children of pride; he can tame the behemoth (Job 40:19) and the leviathan, big as they are, and stout-hearted as they are. This discourse concerning those two animals was brought in to prove that it is God only who can look upon proud men and abase them, bring them low and tread them down, and hide them in the dust (Job 40:11-13), and so it concludes with a quod erat demonstrandum - which was to be demonstrated; there is one that beholds all high things, and, wherein men deal proudly, is above them; he is King over all the children of pride, whether brutal or rational, and can make them all either bend or break before him, Isa 2:11. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and thus the Lord alone shall be exalted.
The spiritual weapons [of humans], he says, are unable to kill him, and [the devil] considers as straw and rotten wood those weapons that cannot inflict a lethal wound on him.
19. That which above He called a ‘spear,’ he mentioned again below under the appellation of ‘iron:’ and that which He spoke of as a ‘breastplate,’ He again designated by mentioning it as ‘brass.’ For iron is sharpened, that the adversary may be wounded; but brass is hardly destroyed by any rust. Whence also it is said by Moses of Holy Church under the character of Asher; His shoe is iron and brass. [Deut. 33, 25] For by ‘shoe’ is understood in Holy Scripture the defence of preaching; as it is written, Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. [Eph. 6, 15] Because then strength is expressed by ‘iron,’ but perseverance by ‘brass;’ her shoe is said to be iron and brass, when her preaching is protected by sharpness, and firmness at the same time. For by iron she penetrates opposing evils, but by brass she patiently preserves the blessings she has set before her. Whose perseverance he there in truth more plainly points out, saying, As the days of his youth, so also shall his old age be. [Deut. 33, 25] But when this Leviathan has taken that sword, whom the Holy Scriptures call Antichrist, for the sake of practising his iniquity, he will esteem both iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood; because, unless Divine grace gives protection, he will both consume with the fire of his wickedness the strength of preachers as straw, and will reduce to dust the constancy of the patient like rotten wood. And therefore the keenness of iron and the strength of brass fail, when by the violence of his might both the understanding of preaching is blunted, and the long-suffering of patience is scattered.
20. Unless then the Divine assistance strengthens its Elect, where will the weak then be, if the strong are counted as straw? What will this Leviathan then do with the straw, if he will count the iron as straw? What is he about to do with the rotten wood, if he will break as rotten wood the strength of brass? But O! how many who think that they are in their own strength iron or brass, in that fire of tribulation then find that they are straw; and how many who from their own infirmity are afraid that they are straw, when supported by the Divine help are strengthened with the solidity of brass or iron, so as to be the stronger in God against their adversary the more they remember that they are weak in themselves. But the higher this Behemoth rises against the Elect of God by miracles, the more earnestly do the saints gird themselves for the words of preaching against him. But yet he so possesses the minds of the reprobate, as not to leave them though he is wounded by all the darts of the truth.
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SUMMARY
Job 41:27 is a powerful declaration within God's awe-inspiring monologue to Job, vividly illustrating the unparalleled might and imperviousness of Leviathan. This formidable creature, a testament to divine creative power, is depicted as utterly unassailable by human endeavors, rendering even the strongest metals of the ancient world—iron and brass—as inconsequential as flimsy straw or decayed wood. The verse underscores humanity's profound limitations in the face of God's magnificent and untamable creation, ultimately pointing to the Creator's supreme and unquestionable sovereignty.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs Simile and Hyperbole to convey Leviathan's unparalleled strength. The use of "as" directly compares the strong metals (iron, brass) to weak, easily destructible materials (straw, rotten wood), creating vivid and immediate imagery of vulnerability. This comparison is a powerful Simile, making the abstract concept of invincibility concrete and relatable. Furthermore, the comparisons themselves are a form of Hyperbole, an exaggeration for emphasis. While iron and brass are indeed strong, portraying them as utterly worthless against Leviathan dramatically amplifies the creature's formidable power, far beyond ordinary human experience. This exaggeration effectively communicates the creature's unassailable nature and, by extension, the infinite power of its Creator. The Parallelism between the two clauses ("iron as straw" and "brass as rotten wood") also enhances the impact, reinforcing the central message of invincibility through repetition and varied but equivalent imagery, creating a rhythmic and memorable declaration of Leviathan's might.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 41:27 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty of God. By presenting a creature so mighty that humanity's strongest materials are rendered useless, the verse redirects attention from Leviathan's power to the even greater power of its Creator. It humbles humanity, reminding us that our greatest strengths, technological advancements, and perceived control are utterly insignificant in the face of divine might. This truth calls for a posture of awe, reverence, and submission rather than questioning or attempting to contend with God. It underscores that true security and wisdom lie not in human ingenuity or strength, but in acknowledging and trusting the One who commands all things, even the most fearsome elements of creation. The ultimate message is that God's power is not merely superior; it is of an entirely different order, rendering human might utterly irrelevant in comparison.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 41:27, through its vivid depiction of Leviathan's invincibility, offers a powerful lens through which to examine our own lives and priorities. In a world that often prizes human achievement, technological prowess, and self-reliance, this verse serves as a stark reminder of our inherent limitations. It challenges us to consider what "iron" and "brass" we might be trusting in—be it financial security, social status, intellectual capacity, physical strength, or even our meticulously crafted plans—and whether these are truly capable of protecting us from the ultimate challenges of life or the divine will. The passage calls us to cultivate a profound humility, recognizing that true power and security reside solely in God. It encourages us to shift our reliance from fleeting human constructs to the unchanging, omnipotent Creator, fostering a deeper trust and surrender to His wisdom and control in all circumstances. This realization should not lead to despair, but to a liberating freedom found in resting in the unassailable power of God, who is both sovereign and good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Leviathan a literal creature, or is it symbolic?
Answer: The interpretation of Leviathan (and Behemoth) varies among scholars. Some believe it refers to a literal, though perhaps now extinct, creature (like a massive crocodile or a powerful dinosaur), emphasizing the reality of God's creation. Others view Leviathan as primarily a symbolic representation of chaotic forces, untamed nature, or even evil, which only God can control. Given the highly poetic and hyperbolic language used in Job 41, it's likely that the description blends literal characteristics with symbolic exaggeration to convey a creature of immense, terrifying power that serves as a theological illustration of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, whether literal or metaphorical. The primary point is not the creature's exact zoological identity, but its function in demonstrating God's unchallengeable power and wisdom, far beyond human grasp.
What is the main theological message God intends to convey to Job through the description of Leviathan?
Answer: The main message is a profound demonstration of God's infinite wisdom, power, and sovereignty, contrasting sharply with Job's limited human understanding and capacity. By describing a creature so utterly beyond human control or comprehension, God humbles Job, showing him that if he cannot contend with one of God's creations, he certainly cannot contend with the Creator Himself. This serves to correct Job's presumption in questioning divine justice and governance, leading him to a place of repentance and deeper trust in God's inscrutable yet perfect ways, as seen in Job 42:1-6. The description of Leviathan underscores that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His power is absolute, demanding awe and submission rather than intellectual challenge.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 41:27 primarily showcases God's raw, untamed power over creation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the very power and wisdom of God in a redemptive way. Just as Leviathan demonstrates God's sovereignty over the chaotic and unconquerable elements of the natural world, Christ demonstrates God's ultimate victory over the spiritual forces of chaos, sin, and death that truly enslave humanity. The metals that were useless against Leviathan find their true impotence against the spiritual strongholds that Christ alone can dismantle. The One who created all things, including Leviathan, is the Son, 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). Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, did not merely "esteem" sin and death as straw; He utterly conquered them through His crucifixion and resurrection, disarming the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). He is the ultimate demonstration of God's power that humbles humanity to acknowledge its need for a Savior, yet simultaneously offers the very strength and salvation that no human "iron" or "brass" could ever provide. In Christ, we see the Creator's power not just to subdue a monster, but to redeem a fallen world, holding "the keys of Death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18). He is the one who ultimately triumphs over every form of chaos and opposition, offering true and lasting security.