Who or what is the behemoth that God describes in this passage?

Behemoth is pictured as a huge, powerful land animal that eats grass like an ox, lives near rivers and marshes, and lies under shady trees. It has strong bones like brass and iron, great muscles, and a tail or rear part that moves with the firmness of a cedar. Faithful readers have seen this as either an elephant, a hippopotamus, or a similar large beast. The exact species is not the main point. God is showing Job a creature so strong that only its Maker can fully control it.

What does it mean that behemoth is the “chief of the ways of God”?

Calling behemoth the “chief of the ways of God” means it is one of God’s most impressive land creatures. Its size, strength, and sturdy build stand out among animals. This does not put it above humans in worth, but it does make it a leading example of God’s power in the animal world. By pointing to this beast, God is saying, “Look at what I can make.” If God can design and uphold such a massive creature, Job should see that God’s wisdom and strength are far beyond his own.

Why does God tell Job about a grass-eating animal instead of a fierce predator?

God highlights that behemoth “eateth grass as an ox” and that other beasts play around it. This shows that a creature can be huge and strong without being cruel or hunting other animals. It also points to God’s kindness in feeding such a large beast with simple plants from the mountains. If this animal ate flesh, countless creatures would die to sustain it. By using a peaceful grazer, God teaches Job that great strength and quiet, harmless living can go together under His wise care.

What is meant by behemoth drinking up a river and drawing up Jordan into his mouth?

The picture of behemoth drinking up a river and “drawing up Jordan into his mouth” is strong word-picture language. It shows how large and fearless this animal is when it comes to water. It drinks calmly, without hurry or fear, as if it could take in a whole river. This does not mean it literally empties a river, but that its thirst and capacity seem that great. The point for Job is that even such a massive, confident creature still depends on water God provides and lives under God’s rule.

What does this passage teach about God’s power and control over creation?

The passage repeats that God made behemoth, made it at the same time as humans, and can make His sword approach it. That means God is the One who designed its body, gives it food from the mountains, and shelters it under trees and reeds. At the same time, God can also take its life whenever He chooses. No matter how strong or secure a creature seems, it only exists because God upholds it. This reminds Job that he cannot match God’s power and should trust God’s rule.

Why does God mention that He made behemoth “with thee”?

When God says He made behemoth “with thee,” He is reminding Job that humans and large beasts share the same created world and both depend on God. God formed this huge animal and humans on the same day and sustains them side by side. Job is not in a special position to argue with God just because he is human. If such a towering creature does not quarrel with its Maker, Job should also accept that God can manage his life as easily as He manages this beast.

How were Job and his friends meant to respond to this description of behemoth?

They were meant to be humbled. By hearing about a creature stronger than any man, yet fully under God’s control, Job is pushed to see his own smallness. The right response is not to solve every mystery of suffering, but to bow before the God who makes and rules over all. This picture of behemoth is not just for interest; it is a gentle warning against pride. It calls Job, and anyone reading, to stop fighting God in their hearts and to trust His wisdom.

Why is the identity of behemoth (elephant or hippo) not the main point?

Faithful readers have suggested different animals for behemoth, like the elephant or the hippopotamus, because the description fits parts of both. The exact match is less important than what God is showing through this creature. The passage underlines size, strength, peaceful feeding, and safety in water and shade. All of this is used to point to God’s greatness as Creator. Whether we picture one animal or another, the lesson is the same: even the strongest and largest beings are small before God.

Job.40.15

Job 40:15

KJV GOD

¶ Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

God’s Power Shown in Creatures

¶ Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.

He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.

Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.

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

Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.

He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.