It has been a while since we have met back here. But, the time has come to do another topic. If you are in our Sunday School class, you will know that we have been studying the book of Job, verse by verse, since January. Now, we are nearing the end. We have two more lessons to go. And, for the next one, I need you help.
In the book of Job, chapter 40, verses 15-24, the author mentions a creature called the "behemoth". Many scholars say that this is a reference to either an elephant or a hippo. However, several verses do not align with this theory. For instance, Job 40: 17 says "He moves his tail like a cedar," which would not fit the description of a hippo or elephant.
Then, in Job 41: 1-34 (the entire chapter), there is a passage about another creature called the "Leviathan". Scholars say this is a reference to something like a crocodile. But, again, some of the verses do not fit the description. For instance, Job 41: 19-20 state references to fire shooting out of the mouth and smoke coming out of the nostrils.
For this week's blog, let's investigate these passages. Then, I'd like for you to post your best guess as to what these creatures are. If you have time, post any evidence that you may have found or read. I would greatly appreciate it!
So, have fun. Let's crack these two mysteries here in Job! If you are in Newnan, GA this Sunday, October 3, feel free to come to by Unity Baptist Church at 311 Smokey Road to join our class and discuss this topic. We meet from 9:30am-10:45am. Just ask anyone where the "Generations Rising" class with Brent Mayes is.
Hope you post something, and I really hope to see you in class next Sunday!!
-- Brent
If what Job is referring to as "behemoth" is an actual creature, I believe it would in the same family as the water buffalo. The Hebrew word used here being translated "move" could also be translated "extend". If it is meant that part of the behemoth's anatomy "extends like cedar" rather than "moves", Job is likely referring to the animal's penis. So, in today's vernacular, Job could be saying this creature is "hung like a horse."
ReplyDeleteLeviathian, as a literal creature, sounds to me like a prehistoric sea monster, elasmosaurus comes first to my mind (had to google that name to be sure it matched the monster in my head!). This reference could arguably be used to suggest the simultaneous existence of humans and dinosaurs (though, this was written post flood).
Personally, I do not think either creatures are actual beings. I think these references are part of Job's efforts to relate the message of God's unmatchable power to the society around him by using their own mythology. The reference below is from wikipedia:
Leviathan and similar serpent-demons have a long history in ancient Near Eastern mythology, with a seven-headed serpent being overcome by a hero-god being attested as early as the 3rd millennium BCE in Sumerian iconography.
Job is saying here, imagine the greatest beasts in your mythological legends, my God is greater than all of those.
It was as true then as it is today, but best way to help someone understand an idea or grasp a concept is to relate it back to something they already know. Jesus did this countless times during his ministry, referencing ancient prophets and the Jewish texts as a pretext to the point he would make/concept he would present.
Thanks for the opportunity to add my 2 cents, Brent!
Dave Allsbrook