Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the Master Creator, who has created things beyond our comprehension. He truly has all skill and wisdom and power.
Lesson #43. God’s zoological masterpieces powerfully illustrate His reassuring attributes. God concludes His remarks to Job by describing two mighty beasts, possibly both dinosaurs. The first is behemoth (40:15-24), and the second is leviathan (41:1-34). These two amazing creatures share many revelatory characteristics.
First, God made both creatures, and He carefully crafted them. He gave thought and planning to the process. Some of leviathan’s traits are described, including tightly joined protective scales through which nothing can pass (41:12-17). The same God that made these great creatures also made man. “Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee” (40:15). If God made these creatures so carefully, designing them with exactly the right characteristics, we know He used the same care and planning when He made us. “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” (Psalm 139:15).
Second, these creatures depend on God. Behemoth calmly waits on God, whether in time of peace or time of danger (40:20-23). He does not fret over what is happening around him. “Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not” (40:23). Leviathan actually “laugheth at the shaking of a spear” (41:29). These creatures live the lives God has given them without fear. Can we not also trust our Maker? “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7).
Third, behemoth cannot be captured (40:24), and this seems to be even more so for leviathan (41:1-10). Man’s greatest weapons, schemes, and concerted attempts cannot master these creatures. “Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more” (41:8). If men are no match even before these creations of God, how can they possibly set themselves against God Himself? “None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?” (41:10). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
Fourth, both beasts are incredible in their power. Behemoth’s “strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly” (40:16). Leviathan has “power” (41:12). He is, in fact, terrifying. “By his neesings a light doth shine … out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out … his breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth” (41:18-21). Even the mightiest men fear before him (41:25). These beasts have only the strength given to them by God, and it is far less than God’s strength. Is not God capable of caring for us? “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Fifth, God provides for these creatures. Behemoth lies in the marsh, surrounded by God’s provision (40:20-22). Leviathan doesn’t lack the courage or ability to take anything he needs. God takes care of these powerful creatures who would not even seem to need His help, and He surely cares for us who are so needy. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).
Sixth, every living being on the earth belongs to God. “Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine” (41:11). Behemoth, the greatest of all creatures, is His, and leviathan, the fiercest of all creatures, is also His. Nothing is so big or grand that it is outside God’s control and care. Man actually enjoys a special place in the plan of God, being welcomed into personal relationship with Him. “It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3).
Indeed, the mighty behemoth “is the chief of the ways of God” (40:19). God Himself declares that “upon earth there is not [levianthan’s] like” (41:33). Yet as fascinating and superlative as these two creatures are, they are merely creatures. They are creations of the One who is so much more amazing, of the One who was easily able to craft them with the word of His mouth. Any amazement, wonder, admiration, fear, or dread that we have of these great creatures pales beside our estimation of the Creator God, who is immeasurably greater than anything He has made. “For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9).
All of God’s creation is used to share the characteristics studied in previous lessons: His wisdom, His power, His provision, His sovereignty, and His righteousness. God shared with Job these two special creatures as the conclusion of revealing His greatness. God has effectively presented Himself to Job in all of His glory. He is truly a God who can be trusted even in the darkest night.
May this great God walk with you and show you His greatness this week.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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