Job Chapter 40
Please Read: Job 40 –
In previous chapters Job had wanted to “have his day in court.” He wanted to defend himself against the LORD. He had even asked for a mediator to represent him. Now God is speaking directly and audibly to Job and He will give Job that chance. But in the hearing of the Almighty, Job is not so brazen. In fact, Job quickly backs down and no longer wishes to speak. Instead, he told God he would put a hand over his mouth.
Job had previously insisted that God must provide the answers for him. God now tells Job that He will ask the questions and Job must provide the answers. Only we know that Job could not have answered the questions meant to show God’s authority and superiority over all of creation. It was meant to be a challenge for Job. And the key thought is found in verse 8 when God asked Job if his insistence to be right was so important that he would condemn God? Wow, that question must have struck like an arrow through his chest. But Job needed to be corrected for his brazen words against God. Of course, Job was humbled by this questioning of the Almighty as would you and I. Honestly, God had spoken only one sentence, and Job became mortified by his own behavior.
Let's Reflect
1. In verse 1 what did God call Job’s words of insisting that God answer him?
2. Immediately Job replied with a humbled attitude and no longer insisting God do anything. How did Job describe himself?
3. God told Job that he had insisted that God answer but now He would turn it on Job and He would ask the questions. What is the first question God asked Job? See verse 9.
4. In verses 10-14 God challenges Job to put on the clothing of the majesty of God and to do the things that only God can do. What particular sin did God mention in verse 12 that has been a problem for mankind since the Garden of Eden?
5. God said that when Job was able to successfully judge all of mankind that were wicked and when he had brought them down into the dust (death), then God would acknowledge what about Job?
6. In verses 15-24 God challenges Job to take on one of His large and powerful created beings He calls Behemoth. First, let me say that it is unknown what animal the word behemoth refers to. Some have speculated it is a hippopotamus which would make sense until you read verse 20. What does that verse say about where this animal gets food?
7. Some believe that this animal was a dinosaur. The description does fit and God did create the dinosaurs when He created all living creatures. Whatever the large beast called Behemoth and the Leviathan mentioned in the next chapter were, God was making a point. What was it?
