Job 41:12–24

But the Lord says of Leviathan, "I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, or his mighty strength, or his goodly frame" (v.12). The Lord would not hesitate to describe him exactly as he is. He describes him so we would know that He knew him perfectly and took full account of his strength.

Details are then given, from verse 12 to the end. … Then what majesty the curved shields have! They close as tight as a seal, so no breath can get in, and every part holds together and cannot be pulled apart.

A more detailed description of the leviathan follows. His frame is strong; his outer garment is so invulnerable — who can strip it off? His teeth are terrible; who can open the doors of his face, that is, his mouth? His scales, his armour, are his pride.

Men talk as if God's object was merely to occupy us with His works. God, on the contrary, brings forward His works to turn us away from our thoughts and bow us to Himself; for if the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that did the work, and what is man if he dares to judge such a God?

In all this first part of the description, we have the fierce, unapproachable, untamable character of this creature. The conclusion is clear, as already shown: if the creature is so mighty, what must the Creator be? But, as we said, we should expect something more than this declaration of God's greatness and power. This is not only a mighty power; it is a power for evil.

Both beasts typify power and pride. So we must admit that Wordsworth's comment does not seem entirely far-fetched: "It seems probable that behemoth represents the Evil One acting in the animal and fleshly parts of man's own makeup. Leviathan symbolises the Evil One working as his enemy from outside. Behemoth is the enemy within us; leviathan is the enemy outside us."

He is king over all the sons of pride. … And now the conclusion which Job could easily draw. If he is proud, then he belongs to leviathan, the king who rules over the sons of pride. Jehovah has touched the secret in Job's heart. He has searched out its depths. He had cherished pride, the Devil's crime.

God now shows Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him. … But what could God's object be in describing the power of the adversary like this? Surely it was to lead Job into complete dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that You can do all things."

A more detailed description of the leviathan follows. His body is strong. His outer garment cannot be pierced — who can strip it off? His teeth are terrible — who can open the doors of his face (his mouth)? His scales, his armour, are his pride. This is a good description of the crocodile's hide.

The Lord would not hesitate to describe him exactly as he is. He wanted us to know that He knew this creature through and through, and took full account of his strength… Men have caught crocodiles and kept them in large pools of water. But who would dare get into the same pool, as some people do with dolphins?

The scales on his head and body are an armour nothing can get through, and so is pride — each scale linked to the next, with no gap in the armour where an arrow could pierce.

The principle (independence from God), trying to make a name for itself, has been on show since the days of Cain, who built a city, and of Nimrod, who founded the first great world empire (Gen. 10:8-10). It is not limited to nations that want to be first. The same spirit of strong self-will, which allows no contradiction, shows up in the individual as well — a refusal to bow to authority that no one can tame. Who has ever tied down and held the proud will of man?

God now shows Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him… Surely it was to lead Job into complete dependence on Himself.

People talk as if God's aim was just to keep us busy with His works. God does the opposite. He brings His works forward to turn us away from our own thoughts and bow us before Himself. If the works of God are so wonderful, who is He who made them? And what is man, if he dares to judge such a God?

Is it cruel of the Lord to treat a poor, broken-hearted man like this? Ask instead: would it have been kind to leave him wrapped in his pride like a garment, shouting against the Almighty? Pride can only be brought low one way — by standing face to face with its own nothingness before the majesty and boundless goodness of God.

A more detailed description of the leviathan follows. His body is strong. His outer covering cannot be pierced — who can strip it off? His teeth are terrible. Who can open the doors of his face (his mouth)? His scales, his armour, are his pride.

Who has uncovered the face of his garment? Into his double jaws who enters in? The doors of his face, who has opened? Round about his teeth is terror.

Men have captured crocodiles and put them in large pools of water. But who would dare to get into the same pool, as some do with dolphins?

Men talk as if God's object was merely to occupy us with His works. God does the opposite. He brings forward His works to turn us away from our own thoughts and bow us to Himself. If the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that made them? And what is man, if he dares to judge such a God? ... Do you think that after this Job was occupied with behemoth or with leviathan? Not at all, but with God; and this was the design of it all.

It is not only a mighty power that is described, but a power for evil. So Satan is spoken of as the dragon (Revelation 20:2). And as ruler of the earth, through his instrument the ruler of Egypt, it is said of him, "In that day the LORD with his hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting serpent, and he will slay the dragon that is in the sea" (Isaiah 27:1).

Both the behemoth and the leviathan typify Satan, his character and his rule. He is king over all the sons of pride... And now the deduction which Job could easily make. If he is proud then he belongs to leviathan the king who rules over the sons of pride. The LORD has touched the secret in Job's heart.

Applied to each person, this "crooked serpent" is a picture of the perverted will of man. All sin has its roots in disobedience. Men may smile at it, but what more terrible thing is there than this self-will — the carnal mind... What use is the effort to reform the world, to tame the crocodile? Men may dream and plan, and try to drive misery off the earth. But even while it groans, creation mocks at human efforts to subdue its own perverted will.

God now shows to Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him... But what could be God's object in describing the power of the adversary in this way? Surely it was to lead Job into entire dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that you can do all things."

Could Joshua's or David's sword have won such victories as these? Would the principalities of darkness have yielded to them? Would death and hell have submitted themselves? "Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?" But "He who made him can bring near His sword."

His frame is strong. His outer garment cannot be pierced — who can strip it off? His scales, his armour, are his pride. Here is a good description of the crocodile's hide. The scales are so close to each other that no air can come between them. They are joined one to another and stick together, so that they cannot be pulled apart.

"His scales are his pride." It is not only his enormous strength, and the fact that no ordinary weapon can pierce him. He is also so confident in that armour himself.

A second idea connected with it is the closing up for safety of something important and vital... Job 41:15-17 gives a remarkable illustration: the scales of "leviathan" are like a close seal, and not even air can get through them.

The scales on his head and body are, like pride, an armour nothing can get through — each scale linked to the next, with no gap in the armour where an arrow could pierce.

Coming to how this applies to each person, we see in this "crooked serpent" a picture of the twisted will of man. All sin has its roots in disobedience. Men may smile at it, but what is more terrible than this self-will — the mind of the flesh... What use is the effort to reform the world, to tame the crocodile? Men may dream and plan, and try to drive misery off the earth. But even while it groans, creation mocks at human efforts to subdue its own twisted will.

Both the behemoth and the leviathan picture Satan, his character and his rule. He is king over all the sons of pride... And now comes the conclusion Job could easily draw. If he is proud, then he belongs to leviathan, the king who rules over the sons of pride. God has touched the secret in Job's heart. He has searched out its depths. Job has cherished pride, the Devil's own sin.

These rows of scales are shut up tightly as with a seal, so that he is protected as by a coat of armour. The Roman Beast too will use every means of protecting himself against the attacks of any enemy.

Men talk as if God's aim was only to occupy us with His works. God does the opposite. He brings forward His works to turn us away from our own thoughts and bow us to Himself. For if the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that made them? And what is man, if he dares to judge such a God?... Do you think that after this Job was taken up with behemoth or with leviathan? Not at all, but with God. That was the design of it all.

Then what majesty (or pride) in those curved shields! They close like a seal, so that breath cannot enter, and every part holds to the next so that nothing can pull them apart. ... No wonder the mightiest tremble when he rises. They miss their mark through fear. If one of them does reach him, the sword does not hold, nor spear, mace, nor lance, for he counts iron as straw and copper as rotten wood.

The scales on his head and body are, like pride, an armour nothing can get through — each scale linked to the next, and no joint in the armour where an arrow could pierce.

If a creature is so mighty and strong, what must the One be who called this creature into existence? ... Here is a good description of the crocodile's hide. The scales are so near each other that no air can come between them; they are joined one to another, they stick together, so that they cannot be pulled apart. ... The final statement about leviathan is that he is king over all the sons of pride.

So he is protected as if by a coat of armour. The Roman Beast too will use every means to protect himself against the attacks of any enemy.

Men talk as if God's object was only to occupy us with His works. God, on the contrary, brings forward His works to turn us away from our thoughts and bow us to Himself. For if the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that did the work? And what is man, if he dares to judge such a God? ... Do you think that after this Job was occupied with behemoth or with leviathan? Not at all, but with God; and this was the design of it all.

God now shows Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him. ... But what could be God's object in describing the power of the adversary like this? Surely it was to lead Job into complete dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that You can do all things."

A second idea connected with sealing is the closing up for safety of something important and vital... Job 41:15-17 gives a remarkable illustration: there the scales of "leviathan" are like a close seal, so tight that not even air can pass through.

Long ago there were creatures the people of Israel were not allowed to eat, because they were unclean; others were clean. A clean fish was known by two marks: it had to have both fins and scales. The fins let it swim against the stream... There are times when a fish must swim through filthy water, and to protect it God has given it scales... Fitted with this armour, the fish can pass safely through the filth. So God has provided a way for His own to pass unharmed through all the filth around us, as well as the power to go against the stream.

Commentators have generally identified the leviathan with the crocodile. Like the behemoth, the leviathan is a strong and untameable beast... And if a creature is so mighty and strong, what must the One be who called this creature into existence? Verses 10 and 11 should read: "Who then is able to stand before Me (the Creator)? Who gave to Me first, that I should repay him? Since all beneath the heavens is Mine."

One of the meanings of sealing in Scripture is the closing up for safety of something important and vital. Job 41:15-17 gives a remarkable illustration: it compares the scales of "leviathan" to a close seal and describes them as so tight that not even air can get through.

"His scales are his pride." It is not only his enormous strength, and the fact that no ordinary weapon can pierce him. He is also completely confident in that strength himself.

The scales on his head and body are, like pride, an armour nothing can get through — each scale linked to the next, with no gap in the armour where an arrow could pierce... In most animals the flanks are a weak spot, since the ribs do not cover them; his flanks are solid and cannot be pierced. Within is a heart like stone, indifferent to all fear.

In Isaiah 27:1 we read: "In that day the LORD ... will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting serpent, and He will slay the dragon that is in the sea." Here leviathan stands for the power of darkness... And now the deduction which Job could easily make. If he is proud, then he belongs to leviathan, the king who rules over the sons of pride. Jehovah has touched the secret in Job's heart.

So he is protected as if by a coat of armour. The Roman Beast too will use every means to protect himself against the attacks of any enemy.

So God's purpose in describing them in such grand language is not at all to make us stop there, turning them into a study that fills our minds and holds our souls. His purpose is the opposite. He would turn us away from ourselves to trust in Himself. Do you think Job spent his time on behemoth or leviathan after this? Not at all — his thoughts were on God, and that was the design of it all.

God now shows to Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him... But what could be God's object in thus describing the power of the adversary? Surely it was to lead Job into entire dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that You can do all things."

In the last two chapters of Jehovah's answer (Job 40, Job 41), which I must cover very briefly, God surveys not the whole realm of nature, but quite enough — more than enough — to prove Job ignorant and unable to speak before God. Job needed to learn this, so that he would distrust himself and trust God.

Most interpreters agree that the "leviathan" here is the crocodile of Egypt, and it is described in great detail… There seem to be three parts: (1) His fierceness that nothing can tame (verses 1-11). (2) An analysis of his various parts (verses 12-24). (3) His outstanding strength (verses 25-34).

"Sneezings." Job 41:18.

His scales, his armour, are his pride. This is a good description of the crocodile's hide. The scales sit so close together that no air can get between them. They are joined to one another and stick together, so that they cannot be pulled apart. His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the dawn. You can see a crocodile's eyes from quite a distance under water. So the Egyptians used the crocodile's eyes in their picture-writing as the sign for daybreak.

Coming to the details, Jehovah shows that the beast is not only irresistible when you look at him as a whole. Each of his parts declares the same all-conquering power… The very sneezing of such a creature is like a flash of burning sulphur from hidden fires inside him (verses 18-21); his eyes flash out like rays of the rising sun.

"His scales are his pride." He has enormous strength, and no ordinary weapon can pierce him. More than that, he is sure of it himself.

Of course this is figurative language. It speaks of the vicious words that come out of the mouth of the Beast, as Revelation 13:5-6 tells us about him… But the appearance of light, as though the beast brought light and wisdom with him, is a false show. Leviathan pictures this man's boastful pride and his frightening threats.

Nothing could be more vivid than the account of each creature, and nothing could press the conclusion home more forcefully for Job, or for anyone else. If mere animals have such might, and they are only the result of God's creative will, how foolish it is to resist God's ways, to find fault with them, or even to judge them!

And, after all, what was God speaking about? Earthly things. Every one of these things belongs to the natural world, and has to do with what we can see, with what is visible and temporary… still, if that is true of earthly things, what about the heavenly things? What about the eternal things? There we depend on God completely.

Coming to details, Jehovah shows that the beast is not only irresistible as a whole; each of its parts declares the same all-conquering power. The Lord starts with its dreadful mouth, ringed with sharp, cruel teeth, and points out that everything about the beast has the same character. The very sneezing of such a creature is like sulphurous light from hidden fires within (verses 18-21); his eyes flash out like rays of the rising sun.

Again, the leviathan described here (Job 41) seems to be beyond doubt, not the dolphin or the whale, as some learned men have argued, but the crocodile. Nothing could be more vivid than these descriptions, and nothing more forceful than the lesson they press on Job or on anyone else. If mere animals have such might, and they exist only because God willed to create them, what folly it is to resist, criticise, or even judge His ways!

Of course this is figurative language, and speaks of the vicious words that come out of the mouth of the Beast, as Revelation 13:5-6 tells us about him. But the appearance of light, as though the beast brought light and wisdom with him, is a false show. Leviathan's character gives a vivid picture of this man's boastful pride and his frightening threats.

This is not only a mighty power; it is a power for evil. So Satan is called the dragon (Revelation 20:2). And as ruler of the earth, working through his instrument the ruler of Egypt, he is the one described here: "In that day the LORD with his hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting serpent, and he will slay the dragon that is in the sea" (Isaiah 27:1). How remarkable that the world-ruler should be spoken of in this way.

God now shows Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him. What a terrible one he is, this king over all the children of pride! This world has rejected the King of Righteousness and chosen the horrible slavery of Satan instead. But why would God describe the enemy's power like this? Surely it was to lead Job into complete dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that you can do all things."

There was clearly divine design in the detailed description of the hippopotamus on one side, and in the still more detailed picture of the crocodile on the other. To an upright mind like Job's, they were fitted to overwhelm him with one thought. He who could do everything stooped to make man the object of His ways on earth. He ordered all things to bring man's heart into submission to Himself... So Job should be ashamed of his self-sufficiency.

What light in his sneezing! Eyes and mouth give off brightness, or sparks of fire, and smoke out of his nostrils as from a cauldron.

The leviathan described here seems beyond doubt to be the crocodile, not the dolphin or the whale, as some learned men have argued… Nothing could be more graphic than these descriptions. Nothing could be more forceful than the conclusion for Job, or for anyone else. Mere animals have such might, and they are the effect of God's creative will. What folly, then, to resist, criticise, or even judge His ways!

Men talk as if God's object was simply to occupy us with His works. God does the opposite. He brings forward His works to turn us away from our own thoughts and bow us to Himself. If the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that made them? And what is man if he dares to judge such a God?… Do you think that after this Job was occupied with behemoth or with leviathan? Not at all, but with God. This was the design of it all.

The very sneezing of such a creature is like sulphurous light from hidden fires within (vv. 18-21). His eyes flash out like rays of the rising sun. Like the horses of the sixth trumpet, his mouth belches out "fire and smoke and sulfur" (Revelation 9:17). His neck is strength itself. It makes despair, not joy, dance before him — he is the herald of misery.

Of course this is figurative language. It speaks of the vicious words that come out of the mouth of the Beast, as we are told of him in Revelation 13:5-6… But the appearance of light, as though the beast brought light and wisdom with him, is a false show. Leviathan's character is a striking picture of this man's boastful pride and his ominous threats.

Both the behemoth and the leviathan represent Satan, his character and his rule. He is king over all the sons of pride… And now the conclusion which Job could easily draw. If he is proud then he belongs to leviathan, the king who rules over the sons of pride. Jehovah has touched the secret in Job's heart. He has searched out its depths. Pride, the Devil's sin, has been cherished by him.

What could God's purpose be in describing the power of the adversary like this? Surely it was to lead Job into complete dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that you can do all things."… Looked at in himself, the believer has no power to overcome Satan. Independence of God opened the door to Satan at first. Simple dependence on God alone can shut it.

What light flashes when he sneezes! His eyes and mouth give off brightness, or sparks of fire, and smoke pours from his nostrils as from a boiling pot. Strength lives in his neck, and dread marks everything in front of him. The rest of him is firm and cannot be moved, his heart as solid as stone, as hard as the lower millstone. No wonder the strongest men tremble when he rises up. If one of them does reach him, the sword does not hold, nor spear, club, or lance; for he counts iron as straw and copper as rotten wood.

Now, in Job 41, comes a still longer description of "leviathan," and I understand that to be the crocodile. The crocodile is a very dangerous beast. It is not shy of people; on the contrary, it preys on men, women, and children, if it can get hold of them.

Of course this is figurative language. It speaks of the vicious words that come out of the mouth of the Beast. Revelation 13:5-6 tells us of him: "The beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words… It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming His name and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven." But the appearance of light, as though the beast brought light and wisdom with him, is a false show.

Some have thought this creature must picture Satan, as the chief of God's creatures (Ezek. 28), standing out in strength and pride. The same would be true of leviathan, in the next chapter. Both beasts picture power and pride. So it does not seem far-fetched to say with Wordsworth, "It seems probable that behemoth stands for the Evil One at work in the animal and fleshly parts of man's own make-up, and that leviathan pictures the Evil One at work as man's enemy from outside. Behemoth is the enemy within us; leviathan is the enemy outside us." But we may think of these creatures as pictures of evil men driven and controlled by Satan, rather than Satan himself.

If he is proud, then he belongs to leviathan, the king who rules over the sons of pride. Jehovah has touched the secret Job kept hidden inside. He has searched out the depths of his heart. Job has cherished pride, the Devil's own crime.

Turning to what this means for each of us, we see in this "crooked serpent" a picture of the twisted will of man. All sin has its roots in disobedience. People may smile at it, but what is more terrible than this self-will — the mind set on the flesh? The mind of the flesh "is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot" (Rom. 8:7). What use is the effort to reform the world, to tame the crocodile?

Men talk as if God's aim was only to occupy us with His works. God does the opposite. He brings forward His works to turn us away from our own thoughts and bow us to Himself. If the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that made them, and what is man if he dares to judge such a God?… Do you think that after this Job was occupied with behemoth or with leviathan? Not at all, but with God; and this was the design of it all.

The Leviathan described here seems beyond doubt to be the crocodile, not the dolphin or the whale, as some learned men have argued... Nothing could be more vivid than these accounts, and nothing more forcible than the conclusion for Job or anyone else. If such is the might of mere animals, the effect of God's creative will, what folly it is to resist, criticise, or even judge His ways!

Strength lodges in his neck, and terror marks everything in front of him. The rest of him is firm and immovable, his heart solid as stone, hard as the lower millstone.

"Strength dwells in his neck" (v.22), for his neck is stiffened in rebellion against God. "And sorrow dances before him" — as though sorrow was trying to dress itself in false joy, but it only brings misery and wretchedness.

His neck is the embodiment of strength, causing despair, not joy, to dance before him — he is the herald of misery. Within is a heart like stone, indifferent to all fear.

In Isaiah 27:1 we read: "In that day the LORD with His hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent... and He will slay the dragon that is in the sea." Here leviathan typifies the power of darkness... And now the deduction which Job could easily make. If he is proud then he belongs to leviathan the king who rules over the sons of pride. Jehovah has touched the secret in Job's heart. He has searched out the depths of it. Pride, the Devil's crime, had been cherished by him.

What an unbroken stiffness of neck! It makes everyone bend before it, and it fills the earth with ruin and men's hearts with grief. A riot of misery, a carnival of despair dances before him with glee — sword and plague and death, the unavoidable companions of absolute, Satanic power. The Beast will have no weak side, and he will know no pity. From his unyielding heart come hatred, scorn, death.

Men talk as if God's object was merely to occupy us with His works. God, on the contrary, brings forward His works to turn us away from our own thoughts and bow us to Himself. If the works of God are so wonderful, who is He that made them? And what is man if he dares to judge such a God?... Do you think that after this Job was occupied with behemoth or with leviathan? Not at all, but with God; and this was the design of it all.

God now shows to Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him... But what could be God's object in thus describing the power of the adversary? Surely it was to lead Job into entire dependence on Himself.

The scales on his head and body are, like pride, an armour nothing can get through. Each scale is linked to the next, and there is no "joint of the harness" where an arrow could pierce... In most animals the flanks are a weak point, since the ribs do not cover them. His flanks are compact and impenetrable. Within is a heart like stone, indifferent to all fear.

Now in Job 41 comes a still longer description of "leviathan," and I understand that to be the crocodile. The crocodile is a very formidable beast. It is not so shy of humans; on the contrary, it preys on men, women and children, if it can get hold of them.

"The folds of his flesh" are so joined as to make him invulnerable to attack (v.23), and underneath his heart is as hard as a stone. What a picture of the great champion of unbelief! He will arise because the world has rejected the faithful, gracious Lord of glory — and this beast will think of himself as the saviour of the world!

"The Beast" will have no weak "flanks" to be turned, as an army's flanks are turned. He will not know pity. From his stone-hard heart come hatred, scorn, death. Some have refused the tender pleading of the Heart of Love — of Him who said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." They will be crushed by the hard heart of the world-conqueror, who knows neither love nor pity.

What would you think of a man hoping to get into heaven by offering his corn and his wine to God? He supposes, like Simon Magus in Acts 8, that the gift of God can be bought. It would show that his conscience was as hard as the lower millstone. He would be completely insensible to the condition he was in, and to the character of God. The very worship of Cain proved the desperate, utter insensibility of his heart to the judgment of God against sin...

And will Job keep in his own heart even the seed of all this horror? Shall independence, self-will and pride find a resting place in him, to hatch out such offspring of hell?... Beneath the fair exterior of man such possibilities lie hidden. Even in the child of God a nature lurks which has these features.

God now shows Job, under the figure of leviathan, that the power of Satan is too great for him... But what could be God's purpose in describing the power of the adversary like this? Surely it was to lead Job into complete dependence on Himself. "I know," says Job, "that you can do all things."

For this, the heart of stone must be taken out of the flesh, so that they may have a heart of flesh — a truly feeling and tender heart. To this is added the blessed assurance: "I will put my Spirit within you."