15 "Behold now , Behemoth , which I made as well as you; He eats grass like an ox . 16 "Behold now , his strength in his loins And his power in the muscles of his belly . 17 "He bends his tail like a cedar ; The sinews of his thighs are knit together . 18 "His bones are tubes of bronze ; His limbs are like bars of iron . 19 "He is the first of the ways of God ; Let his maker bring near his sword . 20 "Surely the mountains bring him food , And all the beasts of the field play there . 21 "Under the lotus plants he lies down , In the covert of the reeds and the marsh . 22 "The lotus plants cover him with shade ; The willows of the brook surround him. 23 "If a river rages , he is not alarmed ; He is confident , though the Jordan rushes to his mouth . 24 "Can anyone capture him when he is on watch , With barbs can anyone pierce his nose ?
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.