Understanding God’s Power: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Job 40

Executive Summary

Job 40 delves into the heart of God’s sovereignty and creation’s majesty. After Job’s initial lament and subsequent humbling, God challenges him to comprehend the sheer power manifest in Behemoth, a creature of immense strength and untamed nature. This chapter serves not only as a demonstration of God’s creative ability but also as a mirror reflecting humanity’s limited understanding of the divine. Through the descriptions of Behemoth, we are urged to recognize our own insignificance relative to God’s infinite wisdom and power. This profound recognition should inspire humility, repentance, and a deeper faith in God’s unfathomable plans and providential care. Understanding God’s Power is central to grappling with the problem of suffering and the nature of divine justice.

Job, having challenged God, is now faced with the overwhelming reality of divine might. This chapter, focusing on God’s description of Behemoth, forces Job (and us) to confront the limitations of human understanding when compared to the boundless wisdom and power of the Creator. Let us delve into this chapter, seeking the spiritual treasures hidden within its verses and uncovering the timeless lessons it holds for our lives.

Commentary Sections

Job 40:1-2 – Job Responds and the Lord Speaks

Job 40:1 (KJV) Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said,

Job 40:1 (NKJV) Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said:

The Lord, having patiently listened to Job’s complaints and questions, now directly addresses him. This demonstrates God’s attentiveness to our cries, even when those cries are tinged with doubt and frustration. God doesn’t dismiss Job’s pain but engages with him, offering a pathway to deeper understanding.

Spiritual Application: When we are in distress, we should turn to God in prayer, knowing that He hears us and will guide us, even if His answers are not always what we expect.

Job 40:2 (KJV) Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.

Job 40:2 (NKJV) Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer this.

God poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the absurdity of a mere mortal attempting to instruct the Almighty. This is a stark reminder of the vast chasm between human wisdom and divine knowledge. To “reprove” God suggests finding fault with His actions, an act born of pride and limited perspective.

Spiritual Application: Humility is paramount in our relationship with God. We must approach Him with reverence, acknowledging our limitations and trusting in His infinite wisdom. As St. Isaac the Syrian says, “Ἡ ἀρχὴ σοφίας φόβος Κυρίου” (Hē archē sophias phobos Kyriou) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies, Homily 4).

Job 40:3-5 – Job’s Humble Response

Job 40:3 (KJV) Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

Job 40:3 (NKJV) Then Job answered the Lord and said:

Job begins his second response, a stark contrast to his earlier pronouncements. The encounter with God has begun to soften his heart and open his eyes to his own limitations.

Spiritual Application: True repentance begins with a humble recognition of our sins and shortcomings before God. It is not enough to simply acknowledge our mistakes; we must also turn away from them and seek God’s forgiveness.

Job 40:4 (KJV) Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Job 40:4 (NKJV) Behold, I am vile; What can I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth.

Job admits his own “vileness” or insignificance. This is not necessarily an admission of sin, but rather a recognition of his limited understanding and perspective in the face of God’s immense power and wisdom. The gesture of placing his hand over his mouth signifies his silence and humility. The word “vile” here can be better translated from the Hebrew as “light,” “insignificant,” revealing that compared to the might of God, Job feels weightless.

Spiritual Application: We must cultivate a spirit of humility and self-awareness, recognizing our dependence on God in all things. Like Job, we should be quick to listen and slow to speak, especially when discussing matters of faith and divine providence.

Job 40:5 (KJV) Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Job 40:5 (NKJV) Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.

Job acknowledges that he has spoken rashly and without sufficient understanding. He resolves to remain silent, recognizing the futility of arguing with God. This is a turning point in Job’s journey, marking the beginning of his restoration.

Spiritual Application: It is wise to pause and reflect before speaking, especially when we are feeling angry or frustrated. Sometimes, silence is the most powerful response. St. Macarius the Great advises, “Τὸ σιγᾶν ἐν καιρῷ σοφία ἐστίν” (To sigãn en kairō sophia estin) – “To be silent at the right time is wisdom” (Macarius the Great, Homilies, Homily 12).

Job 40:6-14 – God Challenges Job to Act Like God

Job 40:6 (KJV) Then answered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Job 40:6 (NKJV) Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

God speaks again from the whirlwind, signifying the awesome power and majesty of His presence. This re-emphasis shows God is not finished with Job’s education.

Spiritual Application: God often speaks to us in unexpected ways and through challenging circumstances. We must be attentive to His voice, even when it comes from the “whirlwind” of life’s difficulties.

Job 40:7 (KJV) Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

Job 40:7 (NKJV) Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me:

God challenges Job to “gird up his loins,” an idiom meaning to prepare for action. God will now demand answers from Job, turning the tables on their previous interactions. This is not a punitive measure, but rather an opportunity for Job to learn and grow.

Spiritual Application: We should always be ready to engage with God’s Word and to answer His call. This requires diligence, preparation, and a willingness to be challenged.

Job 40:8 (KJV) Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?

Job 40:8 (NKJV) Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?

God questions whether Job intends to invalidate His judgment in order to justify himself. This highlights the danger of pride and self-righteousness. To condemn God in order to appear righteous is a grave error.

Spiritual Application: True righteousness comes from God, not from our own efforts or judgments. We must be careful not to elevate ourselves above God or to judge His actions based on our limited understanding. Remember the words of the Psalmist: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1).

Job 40:9 (KJV) Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Job 40:9 (NKJV) Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His?

God questions Job’s ability to wield power and authority like the Almighty. This underscores the vast difference between human strength and divine power. The ability to “thunder with a voice” symbolizes the power to command and control the forces of nature.

Spiritual Application: We must recognize our limitations and avoid the temptation to usurp God’s authority. True power comes from submission to God and alignment with His will.

Job 40:10 (KJV) Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.

Job 40:10 (NKJV) Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and array yourself with glory and beauty.

God challenges Job to clothe himself in majesty, excellency, glory, and beauty – attributes that belong solely to God. This is a sarcastic challenge, emphasizing Job’s inability to emulate divine attributes.

Spiritual Application: We should not seek to imitate God’s divine attributes, but rather to reflect His love, mercy, and compassion in our lives. True beauty comes from within, from a heart that is aligned with God’s will.

Job 40:11 (KJV) Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.

Job 40:11 (NKJV) Disperse the rage of your wrath; Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him.

God challenges Job to unleash his wrath and humble the proud. This highlights the awesome responsibility of judgment, which belongs solely to God. The use of wrath is not to be confused with human anger, but is a righteous indignation against injustice and evil.

Spiritual Application: We should not seek to take vengeance or to judge others. Instead, we should pray for the proud and seek to lead them to humility through love and compassion. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19).

Job 40:12 (KJV) Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

Job 40:12 (NKJV) Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; Tread down the wicked in their place.

God further challenges Job to bring low the proud and tread down the wicked. This emphasizes the power and authority required to administer true justice, something beyond human capability.

Spiritual Application: We should focus on our own spiritual growth and leave judgment to God. We can, however, work to promote justice and righteousness in the world through peaceful and compassionate means.

Job 40:13 (KJV) Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.

Job 40:13 (NKJV) Hide them in the dust together, Bind their faces in hidden darkness.

God challenges Job to hide the wicked in the dust and bind their faces in secret. This symbolizes the ultimate defeat of evil and the finality of divine judgment. “Dust” has connections to Genesis, where God made man from the dust of the Earth.

Spiritual Application: We should trust in God’s ultimate victory over evil and focus on living a life of righteousness. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Job 40:14 (KJV) Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.

Job 40:14 (NKJV) Then I will also confess to you That your own right hand can save you.

God states that if Job can perform all these acts of divine power, then He will acknowledge that Job’s own right hand can save him. This is a powerful statement highlighting the impossibility of human self-salvation.

Spiritual Application: Salvation comes only through God’s grace and mercy, not through our own efforts. We must rely on Him for our salvation and trust in His saving power. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” consider using dohost.us for a reliable solution for dohost.us WordPress hosting to manage your site effectively.

Job 40:15-24 – The Lord Speaks of Behemoth

Job 40:15 (KJV) Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

Job 40:15 (NKJV) Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you; He eats grass like an ox.

God introduces Behemoth, a creature of immense size and power, described as eating grass like an ox. The identity of Behemoth is debated, with some suggesting a hippopotamus or elephant, while others see it as a mythical creature representing God’s creative power. Whatever the creature’s physical form, its significance lies in its demonstration of God’s awesome power.

Spiritual Application: We should marvel at the diversity and complexity of God’s creation, recognizing His power and wisdom in all things. Every creature, great and small, testifies to His glory.

Job 40:16 (KJV) Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.

Job 40:16 (NKJV) See now, his strength is in his hips, And his power is in his stomach muscles.

This verse describes Behemoth’s immense physical strength, concentrated in its loins and belly. This emphasizes the creature’s raw power and untamed nature.

Spiritual Application: We should be mindful of the power of our physical bodies and use them to serve God and others. True strength comes not from physical might, but from a heart that is filled with God’s love.

Job 40:17 (KJV) He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

Job 40:17 (NKJV) He moves his tail like a cedar; The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

Behemoth’s tail is likened to a cedar tree, indicating its immense size and strength. The sinews of its stones are tightly knit, further emphasizing its physical power and virility.

Spiritual Application: We should strive for inner strength and resilience, relying on God to sustain us through difficult times. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7).

Job 40:18 (KJV) His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.

Job 40:18 (NKJV) His bones are like beams of bronze; His ribs like bars of iron.

Behemoth’s bones are described as being like brass and iron, signifying their extraordinary strength and durability. This further emphasizes the creature’s immense physical power.

Spiritual Application: We should seek to build a strong spiritual foundation, rooted in faith and obedience to God’s Word. This will enable us to withstand the trials and tribulations of life.

Job 40:19 (KJV) He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.

Job 40:19 (NKJV) He is the first of the ways of God; Only He who made him can bring near His sword.

Behemoth is described as “the chief of the ways of God,” or “the first of the works of God,” indicating its unique and significant place in creation. Only God, who created Behemoth, can control it.

Spiritual Application: We should recognize God’s sovereignty over all creation and trust in His power to protect and guide us. Even the most formidable creatures are subject to His will.

Job 40:20 (KJV) Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

Job 40:20 (NKJV) Surely the mountains yield food for him, And all the beasts of the field play there.

The mountains provide Behemoth with food, and the beasts of the field play around it. This suggests a harmonious relationship between Behemoth and its environment, despite its immense size and power.

Spiritual Application: We should strive to live in harmony with nature and to respect the environment that God has created. We should also seek to create communities where all people can live in peace and harmony.

Job 40:21 (KJV) He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.

Job 40:21 (NKJV) He lies under the lotus trees, In a covert of reeds and marshes.

Behemoth finds shelter under shady trees, in the covert of reeds and fens. This paints a picture of the creature resting in a peaceful and secluded environment.

Spiritual Application: We should seek moments of quiet and solitude, where we can connect with God and find rest for our souls. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Job 40:22 (KJV) The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.

Job 40:22 (NKJV) The lotus trees cover him with their shade; The willows by the brook surround him.

Shady trees and willows surround Behemoth, providing it with shade and protection. This further emphasizes the creature’s connection to its natural environment.

Spiritual Application: We should seek the protection and guidance of God, who is our refuge and our strength. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

Job 40:23 (KJV) Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.

Job 40:23 (NKJV) Indeed, the river may rage, Yet he is not disturbed; He is confident, though the Jordan gushes into his mouth.

Behemoth can drink up a river without being disturbed, and it is confident that it can draw up the Jordan into its mouth. This highlights the creature’s immense capacity and power.

Spiritual Application: We should trust in God’s ability to provide for all our needs, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. He is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

Job 40:24 (KJV) He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.

Job 40:24 (NKJV) He takes it in his eyes; His nose pierces through snares.

Behemoth can capture its prey with its eyes and pierce through snares with its nose. This suggests the creature’s keen senses and ability to overcome obstacles.

Spiritual Application: We should be vigilant and discerning, using our spiritual senses to detect and overcome the snares of the enemy. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Subtopic: The Symbolism of Behemoth

The description of Behemoth raises important questions about its symbolism and theological significance. What does this creature represent, and what can we learn from its portrayal in the Book of Job?

• God’s Creative Power: Behemoth is a testament to God’s boundless creative power and His ability to fashion creatures of immense size and strength.
• Human Limitations: The description of Behemoth highlights the limitations of human understanding and power in comparison to God.
• The Mystery of Creation: Behemoth represents the mystery and untamed nature of creation, reminding us that there are aspects of the world that we may never fully comprehend.
• God’s Sovereignty: Even Behemoth, the “chief of the ways of God,” is subject to God’s sovereignty and control.
• Humility and Reverence: The portrayal of Behemoth encourages humility and reverence in our approach to God and His creation.
• Trust in God’s Providence: We can trust in God’s providence and care, knowing that He has created a world that is both beautiful and functional.

FAQ ❓

Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox perspective on the identity of Behemoth?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church does not offer a definitive answer regarding the exact animal species represented by Behemoth. However, the focus is on understanding it as a symbolic representation of God’s power and the limits of human comprehension, rather than a purely zoological entity. The emphasis is on the spiritual lesson of awe and humility before the Creator.

Q: How does the Book of Job relate to Coptic Orthodox spirituality?

A: The Book of Job is highly valued in Coptic Orthodox spirituality for its exploration of suffering, faith, and the sovereignty of God. It teaches us to endure trials with patience and to trust in God’s ultimate wisdom, even when we do not understand His ways. The emphasis on humility and repentance resonates deeply with Coptic Orthodox ascetic practices.

Q: What practical lessons can we draw from Job 40 for our daily lives?

A: Job 40 teaches us the importance of humility, recognizing our limitations, and trusting in God’s infinite wisdom. It encourages us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, to seek moments of quiet and solitude, and to rely on God’s grace and mercy for our salvation. Consider using dohost.us for a dependable website backup solution to safeguard your online data and ensure business continuity.

Q: How does Job 40 challenge the modern-day belief in self-sufficiency?

A: Job 40 confronts the modern-day belief in self-sufficiency by showcasing God’s unparalleled might and sovereignty over all creation. The mere description of Behemoth, a creature beyond human control, emphasizes the futility of human efforts to be entirely independent from divine providence. It is a call to relinquish the illusion of self-sufficiency and embrace reliance on God.

Conclusion

Job 40 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s immense power and wisdom, prompting Job (and us) to confront the limits of human understanding. The description of Behemoth, a creature of awe-inspiring strength and untamed nature, showcases the sheer grandeur of God’s creation. The central message of Understanding God’s Power is that true wisdom comes from humility, recognizing our dependence on God, and trusting in His unfathomable plans. This chapter encourages us to approach God with reverence and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives, knowing that He is the ultimate source of truth, justice, and salvation. This newfound reverence will hopefully turn to repentance, and finally restoration.

Tags

Job 40, Behemoth, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Suffering, God’s Power, Humility, Repentance, Creation

Meta Description

Explore Job 40 with a Coptic Orthodox lens: Uncover the profound meaning of Behemoth and the importance of Understanding God’s Power, humility, and trust in divine sovereignty.