Job 40:22

The shady trees cover him [with] their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.

The shady trees {H6628} cover {H5526} him with their shadow {H6752}; the willows {H6155} of the brook {H5158} compass him about {H5437}.

the lotus bushes cover him with their shade, and the willows by the stream surround him.

The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him.

The lotus-trees cover him with their shade; The willows of the brook compass him about.

Commentary

Context

Job 40:22 is part of God's powerful discourse to Job, beginning in Job chapter 38, where the Almighty challenges Job's understanding and wisdom by highlighting the complexity and grandeur of His creation. Specifically, this verse describes the habitat of Behemoth, a creature God introduces in Job 40:15. God uses Behemoth's immense size, strength, and natural environment to illustrate His own unparalleled power and sovereign control over all things, a contrast to Job's limited perspective.

Key Themes

  • God's Supreme Power and Wisdom: The vivid description of Behemoth and its ability to find shelter within the powerful natural landscape underscores God's meticulous design and control over even the most formidable creatures He has made.
  • The Grandeur of Creation: The imagery of "shady trees" and "willows of the brook" paints a picture of a lush, untamed environment, emphasizing the raw beauty and scale of God's natural world.
  • Humility Before Divine Omnipotence: By presenting Behemoth as a creature beyond human control or comprehension, God implicitly calls Job (and the reader) to humility, acknowledging the vast gap between human understanding and divine wisdom.
  • Divine Provision: Even a creature as immense and wild as Behemoth is provided for by its Creator, finding ample shelter and sustenance in its natural habitat.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Behemoth" (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผื”ึตืžื•ึนืช, behemot) is often interpreted as a plural of majesty, signifying an exceptionally large, primeval, or monstrous beast, emphasizing its unparalleled size and power. The imagery of "shady trees" and "willows of the brook" strongly suggests a creature that thrives in water-rich, swampy, or riverine environments. This detail reinforces the creature's massive scale, requiring significant natural cover and a plentiful water source, further highlighting the unique nature of God's design.

Significance and Application

This verse, within the larger context of God's speech, serves to humble Job and remind him of God's absolute sovereignty. If God can create and sustain such a magnificent and powerful creature as Behemoth, dwelling comfortably amidst the forces of nature, then surely He is capable of managing Job's personal circumstances. For believers today, Job 40:22 is a powerful reminder to:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when life's trials seem overwhelming, we are called to trust in the God who controls all creation, from the smallest insect to the largest beasts like Behemoth and Leviathan.
  • Appreciate God's Creation: It encourages us to marvel at the diversity and complexity of the natural world, recognizing it as a testament to God's infinite wisdom and power (Psalm 24:1).
  • Cultivate Humility: Just as Job was humbled, we too are reminded of our limited perspective compared to God's boundless knowledge and strength (Isaiah 40:28). Our challenges, though significant to us, are always within the scope of His divine plan and care.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:40 (2 votes)

    And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

  • Isaiah 15:7 (2 votes)

    Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows.

  • Ezekiel 17:5 (2 votes)

    He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed [it] by great waters, [and] set it [as] a willow tree.