The LORD mentions twelve animals to Job in Job 38:39-41:34. These are designed to serve as examples of God’s power, wisdom, and care of this planet. The first ten are somewhat familiar to us: lion, raven, wild mountain goat, deer, wild donkey, wild ox, ostrich, horse, hawk, and eagle. The last two are more difficult to identify: Behemoth and Leviathan.
Some suggest that these are not real, but mythical creatures. However, this does not seem to fit the context. (1) God is reasoning about his wise and sovereign rule in the universe. How would an appeal to non-existent animals serve this purpose? (2) The first ten animals are real animals. Why would God switch to the unreal?
It is my belief that these are real animals, animals with which Job would have been familiar. Let’s take a look.
1. Behemoth (Job 40:15-24).
“Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you…” Behemoth is the plural form for the Hebrew word “beast” (Behema). It is joined to singular verbs and singular pronouns. The plural, “Behemoth,” is majestic plural. It is used for intensification. It means “great beast.”
This beast is described. It eats grass (40:15). It is strong (40:16-18). It eats and plays in the mountains (40:20) but is also no stranger to water (40:21-24). It is “the first of the ways of God” (40:19). It is difficult to kill or capture (40:19, 24 ESV).
What is this animal? Some have suggested that it is a hippopotamus or an elephant. The ASV contains this footnote: “That is, the hippopotamus.” The RSV contains this note: “or the hippopotamus or the elephant.” The NIV Study Bible has this note: “possibly the hippopotamus or the elephant.”
However, there are difficulties with this view. (1) This creature’s tail is compared with a cedar (40:17). This does not seem to fit the hippopotamus or the elephant. (2) This creature is said to be “the first of the ways of God” (40:19). The ASV reads “the chief…” Holman Christian Standard Bible reads, “the foremost…” The NIV reads “ranks first…” The Hippopotamus is large, (4-5 feet tall, 13-16 feet long, 3-4 tons). The elephant is even larger (10-13 feet tall, 18-24 feet long, 6-7 tons). This could fit. However, larger creatures have lived on earth, e.g. some dinosaurs. Argentinosaurus was much larger (estimated to be 120 feet long, 100 tons). (3) This animal feeds in the mountains (40:20). This does not eliminate the elephant; nor, does it eliminate the pygmy hippopotamus (but it is smaller, 2-3 feet tall, 4-6 feet long, 400-600 pounds). It does eliminate most hippopotamus. (4) It appears to be almost impossible to conquer (40:24 ESV). Elephants have been controlled and used by men from early history. Herodotus (5th century B.C.) mentions Egyptians in his day using the hides of hippopotamus (Herodotus, History Books 2:71).
This may describe a large grass-eating dinosaur. [The word “dinosaur” was not coined until 1842 by paleontologist Richard Owens. It comes from a combination of Greek word: “deinos” = terrible, fearfully great; “sauros” = lizard.] However, the exact identity of Behemoth is uncertain.
This speaks of God’s might. He made this animal (40:15). He does not fear this animal (40:19). The Creator is mightier than creation. He should be feared.
2. Leviathan (Job 41:1-34).
“Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook or snare his tongue with a line which you lower?” Easton’s Bible Dictionary says, “A transliterated Hebrews word (livyathan) meaning ‘twisted,’ ‘coiled’” (studytools.com).
This creature is described. It swims in the sea (41:7, 31-32 cf. Psalm 104:26). It is also in the mire (41:30). It is difficult to capture or kill (41:12, 22). It has terrible teeth (41:14). It has impenetrable scales (41:15-17, 23-24, 26-29). It has a tough underside (41:30). It has eyes like the morning (41:18). Does this refer to the color of the eyes? Or, does this refer to the eyes appearing first from the water? It is described as breathing fire and smoke (41:18-21). Is this literal? Or, does this refer to steam coming from the water as it breathes? It appears to be especially frightening when it raises itself up (41:25). It is made without fear (41:33).
What is this animal? Some have suggested that it is the crocodile. The ASV has this note: “That is, the crocodile.” The RSV contains this note: “or the crocodile.” The NIV Study Bible contains this note: “possibly the crocodile.” Admittedly, the crocodile does fit some of the descriptions. (1) It is in the water and the mire (41:30-32). (2) It does twist and can churn the water (41:31). (3) Its eyes do appear first from the water (possible meaning of 41:18). (4) It may blow water from its nostrils. This may appear to be steam or smoke and may even reflect light (41:18-21). (5) It does have many teeth (41:14). Most species of crocodile have between 60 and 70 teeth. Some have up to 100 teeth (Crocodile Teeth: Everything You Need to Know, a-z-animals.com). Their teeth are also replaced when they fall out.
However, there are difficulties with this view. (1) This animal appears to be especially frightening when it raises up (41:25). This does not seem to fit the crocodile. (However, I have seen video alligators climb over fences and up trees.) (2) It appears to be tall (41:34). Crocodiles are big (They can be over 20 feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds). However, are they tall? This does not seem to fit the crocodile. (3) It has a tough underside (41:30). This does not fit the crocodile. (4) This animal is not made a servant, or a pet, and is not traded by merchants (41:4-6). Does this fit the crocodile? Herodotus (5th century B.C.) tells how Egyptians hunted, captured, made pets of, and ate crocodile (Herodotus, The Histories Book 2:69-70). (5) It is most natural to understand this animal to be fire-breathing (41:18-21). If so, this does not fit the crocodile.
This may describe some extinct aquatic animal, reptile, or dinosaur type animal, e.g. Plesiosaurus, Spinosaurus. This may be a dragon. [Did they really live? There are legends of them found in many cultures around the globe. Can an animal breathe fire? The Bombardier Beetle can emit blasts of hot gas at 212 degrees (F).] The exact identity of Leviathan is uncertain.
This speaks of God’s might. The LORD asks, “No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up. Who then is able to stand against Me”? (41:10-11) God is to be feared. All should appreciate who he is.
Bonus facts. Did you know that the Blue Whale is believed to be the largest creature that ever lived? It can exceed 100 feet in length and weigh as much as 200 tons – the weight of 30 elephants! (Blue Whale, monteraybayaquarium.org).
Did you know that some use “leviathan” as a name for large powerful governments or businesses? Thomas Hobbes wrote a book titled Leviathan in 1651. The book argues for a strong central government for maintaining order. Many have opposed his beliefs. “Behemoth” is also now used to refer to something big and powerful including business, government, and religious organizations,
Bryan Hodge 