Chapters 40 & 41 of Job are parallel, one is an extension of the other. Chapter 40 introduces the Behemoth. Chapter 41 introduces the Leviathan, both legendary creatures known for their strength. The Behemoth is a land creature. The Leviathan is a Sea Creature. They are symbolic of the power of God on Land and in the Sea. Remember that the Lord is speaking, not in a still small voice, but out of the whirlwind which is also a great symbol of natural power. In Chapter 40, the Lord asks Job if he has power over the Behemoth. In Chapter 41, the Lord asks Job if he has power over the Leviathan. In Chapter 40 the Lord asks Job

Job 40:9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

It is, of course, a rhetorical question. Then the Lord describes the Behemoth.

Job 40:15-19

Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.

The above is a symbol of natural laws. We cannot control the laws of Nature, but God can. It was God who organized the laws of nature. The Behemoth is both a real animal and a symbol of God’s power on land. Can we control hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, etc.?

The Leviathan is a creature of the sea. Chapter 41, parallel to Chapter 40, is divided into three parts. Out of the whirlwind, the Lord asks Job a series of questions.

1 Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?

2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

3 Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?

4 Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?

5 Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?

6 Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?

7 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?

8 Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.

9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

10 None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?

As with the Behemoth, the Leviathan is also untamable. In part two, the Lord continues with his questions? The key phrase is, “whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.”

11 Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.

12 I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.

13 Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle?

14 Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.

When the Lord said, “I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion,” he also meant, I will reveal his parts, his power, and his comely strength. No one can prevail against God for his power is almighty whether on land or on sea. In Part three the Lord describes Leviathan. His armor is impenetrable.

15 His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.

16 One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

17 They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.