Job 41:28

The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.

The arrow {H1121}{H7198} cannot make him flee {H1272}: slingstones {H68}{H7050} are turned {H2015} with him into stubble {H7179}.

An arrow can't make him flee; for him, slingstones are so much chaff.

No arrow can make him flee; slingstones become like chaff to him.

The arrow cannot make him flee: Sling-stones are turned with him into stubble.

Job 41:28 is part of God's awe-inspiring description of Leviathan, a creature of immense power and untameable nature, presented to Job in a series of questions designed to humble him and reveal the vastness of divine wisdom and might. This particular verse vividly illustrates Leviathan's impenetrable defense against common human weaponry.

Context

In Job chapters 38-41, God confronts Job directly from a whirlwind, challenging his limited understanding of the universe and divine governance. After detailing various natural phenomena and creatures, God focuses on Behemoth and then Leviathan, two creatures symbolizing untamed power beyond human comprehension or control. Leviathan, often interpreted as a large, formidable aquatic creature like a crocodile or a mythical sea monster, serves as a powerful metaphor for elements of creation that are utterly outside human dominion, thereby highlighting God's supreme sovereignty. Verse 28 specifically emphasizes that common battlefield projectiles—arrows and slingstones—are utterly ineffective against this creature, akin to mere "stubble" that offers no resistance.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty: The primary message is the unparalleled power of God. If humans cannot subdue a creature like Leviathan, how much less can they comprehend or challenge its Creator? This underscores God's absolute control over all creation, even its most fearsome aspects.
  • Human Limitations: The verse starkly contrasts human weakness with divine might. Man's most advanced weaponry of the time is rendered useless, serving as a powerful reminder of humanity's finite strength and knowledge when compared to the infinite wisdom and power of God. Psalm 8:4 similarly muses on man's smallness in comparison to God's vast creation.
  • Divine Wisdom in Creation: The intricate and formidable design of Leviathan points to the profound wisdom of God, who created a being so resilient and powerful that it defies human conquest. This reflects God's unsearchable wisdom in all His works.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "slingstones" is ʾabney-qelaʿ, referring to the stones or pebbles used in a sling, a common and effective weapon in ancient warfare. The turning of these into "stubble" (Hebrew: qaš) emphasizes their complete lack of impact. Qaš refers to dried stalks, straw, or chaff—material that is brittle, easily broken, and offers no resistance, often used as fuel or discarded. This imagery powerfully conveys the utter futility of human attempts to harm Leviathan.

Practical Application

Job 41:28, within its broader context, encourages profound humility and trust in God. When faced with overwhelming challenges or seemingly unconquerable forces in life (our "Leviathans"), this verse reminds us that God is infinitely more powerful than anything we encounter. Our human efforts and strategies may be like "arrows" and "slingstones" against certain problems, but God's power knows no limits. It calls us to place our faith in the One who created and controls even the most formidable parts of His creation, recognizing that He is sovereign over all circumstances. This can lead to a deeper sense of peace and reliance on God's strength rather than our own limited capabilities, as also seen in Isaiah 40:29, which speaks of God giving power to the faint.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 39:7

    He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.

  • Habakkuk 1:10

    And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
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