Job 40:19

Commentary on Job 40:19 (KJV)

Job 40:19 is part of God's powerful discourse to Job, where the Almighty reveals His immense power and wisdom through the description of His creation, specifically the creature known as Behemoth. This verse emphasizes Behemoth's preeminence among earthly creatures and, more importantly, God's absolute sovereignty over even His mightiest creations.

Context

In Job chapters 38-41, God directly addresses Job from a whirlwind, challenging Job's limited understanding and reminding him of divine wisdom and omnipotence. After describing the wonders of the natural world and various creatures, God introduces Behemoth in Job 40:15-24, followed by Leviathan in chapter 41. These magnificent creatures serve as prime examples of God's unparalleled creative power, which far surpasses human strength or comprehension. Job 40:19 specifically highlights Behemoth's unique standing and God's ultimate control over it.

Key Themes

• God's Supreme Creative Power: The description of Behemoth as "the chief of the ways of God" underscores the incredible might and artistry of the Creator. It signifies that Behemoth is a masterpiece, a preeminent example of God's creative genius among land animals. This theme resonates with Psalm 19:1, which declares the heavens proclaiming God's handiwork.
• Divine Sovereignty and Authority: The latter part of the verse, "he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him," is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate control. Despite Behemoth's immense strength and size, the God who created it can also subdue or even destroy it. The "sword" here is a metaphor for divine judgment, power, or decisive action, emphasizing that no creature, however mighty, is beyond the Creator's reach or authority. This speaks to God's absolute sovereignty over all creation.
• Human Humility in the Face of God's Majesty: By presenting such formidable creatures, God is not merely showcasing His power but also humbling Job. If humans cannot even contend with creatures like Behemoth, how can they question or comprehend the infinite wisdom and power of their Maker?

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the chief of the ways of God" (ראשית דרכי אל, reshith darkey El in Hebrew) implies Behemoth is the first, foremost, or beginning of God's ways in creation—meaning a prime example of His creative work, not necessarily the first chronologically. It speaks to its unparalleled magnificence and power in the terrestrial realm. The "sword" (חרב, chereb) is a common biblical symbol for divine power, judgment, or means of destruction, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:41 where God speaks of sharpening His glittering sword.

Practical Application

Job 40:19 reminds us that God is the ultimate power in the universe. No problem is too big for Him, and no force is beyond His control. This verse encourages a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Creator. In moments of doubt or fear, we can find comfort in the knowledge that the God who fashioned Behemoth with such might and yet holds absolute sway over it, also orchestrates the details of our lives. It calls us to trust in His wisdom and power, knowing that if He can manage the mightiest of His creations, He can certainly manage our circumstances. This understanding fosters humility and encourages a deep reliance on God's omnipotence and sovereign plan.