15 He takes the produce of the mountains, where all the beasts of the field are at play. 16 He takes his rest under the trees of the river, and in the pool, under the shade of the water-plants. 17 He is covered by the branches of the trees; the grasses of the stream are round him. 18 Truly, if the river is overflowing, it gives him no cause for fear; he has no sense of danger, even if Jordan is rushing against his mouth. 19 Will anyone take him when he is on the watch, or put metal teeth through his nose? 20 Is it possible for Leviathan to be pulled out with a fish-hook, or for a hook to be put through the bone of his mouth? 21 Will you put a cord into his nose, or take him away with a cord round his tongue? 22 Will he make prayers to you, or say soft words to you? 23 Will he make an agreement with you, so that you may take him as a servant for ever? 24 Will you make sport with him, as with a bird? or put him in chains for your young women?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 40:15-24
Commentary on Job 40:15-24
(Read Job 40:15-24)
God, for the further proving of his own power, describes two vast animals, far exceeding man in bulk and strength. Behemoth signifies beasts. Most understand it of an animal well known in Egypt, called the river-horse, or hippopotamus. This vast animal is noticed as an argument to humble ourselves before the great God; for he created this vast animal, which is so fearfully and wonderfully made. Whatever strength this or any other creature has, it is derived from God. He that made the soul of man, knows all the ways to it, and can make the sword of justice, his wrath, to approach and touch it. Every godly man has spiritual weapons, the whole armour of God, to resist, yea, to overcome the tempter, that his never-dying soul may be safe, whatever becomes of his frail flesh and mortal body.