Read Job 41:1-34
God continues speaking about yet another incredible creature, the Leviathan. Of all the things God could talk about when given this opportunity to speak to his humans, and he speaks of Behemoths and Leviathans. There must be a message in these examples!
So, let’s unpack what we know about Leviathans.
From the text…
While its physical description is not fully described, we are told some of Leviathan’s attributes. He’s enormous and strong yet graceful. Because he’s covered by a sort of armor, I picture a giant armadillo. And because he spits fire, he must be a giant armadillo dragon. “Lightning leaps from its mouth; flames of fire flash out.”
The Leviathan is to believed by God to be feared by man. So much so that “no one dares to disturb it.” A Leviathan has evil tendencies and cannot be overcome by man. It sounds impossible to get rid of so God must have made it to be invincible. He calls the Leviathan the “king of the beasts.”
From other sources…
In one of David’s commentaries, “Interpretation on Job” by J. Gerald Janzen (John Knox Press 1985), a Leviathan is a creature often identified as a crocodile, and alternatively as a mythical monster of the sea. It’s likely that Job’s initial audience would have been more familiar with this creature.
In our text, there is a great line I don’t want to rush past. God said, “Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine.” While that is a brutally honest and true statement, it took me a second to wonder what he might be referring to in terms of being paid back. Do people think God owes them for something? In reality, the price that has already been paid by Jesus for us is beyond limits of value.
Our gratitude should be overflowing because of what awaits us one day. Jesus’ work on the cross assures believers a place in eternity with Jesus. I can’t speak for what happens to non-believers—that’s up to Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life.
As for what a Leviathan in, suffice it to say it’s very powerful and it’s evil. Not a good combination, and yet it is a creation of God just like us. God is striking a fear in us of the Leviathan so that we keep our distance from evil.
As a bit of consolation, Psalm 8, one of King David’s beautiful psalms of praise, speaks of God’s majesty. It also reminds us that God has put us in charge or in control of all beasts of the earth, ground, and sea. “You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority.” Have no fear, these creatures will not overtake us.
The Leviathan reminds us to be careful. It’s a scary world out there. Evil is lurking but not invincible when we have King Jesus leading our lives.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that you are my protector and my guide. Forgive me when I stumble and fall away from your perfect will. Help me to stay on track. Give me your shield of protection to deflect all attacks from the evil one. Use me to help others see you are their one true defense. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
