What is the meaning of Job 40:20?

The hills yield him their produce

Job 40:20a — “The hills yield him their produce”

• God points to an animal so large and confident that whole hillsides supply its food. This line underscores:

– Abundant provision: Just as Psalm 104:14 says, “He makes the grass grow for the cattle,” the Creator faithfully furnishes enough vegetation for even the mightiest land creature.

– Divine ownership: Psalm 50:10 reminds us, “Every beast of the forest is Mine,” so these hills are ultimately the Lord’s storehouse, not man’s.

– Human limitation: Job is confronted with a reality he cannot manage (compare Job 38:41); only God sustains this giant.

• Picture the scene: rolling hills, lush with fresh growth, continually renewed by the Lord (Psalm 65:9–13). The emphasis is not on scarcity but on God’s overflowing generosity.

• Practical takeaway: If God can feed Behemoth, He can meet the daily needs of His people (Matthew 6:26).

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while all the beasts of the field play nearby

Job 40:20b — “while all the beasts of the field play nearby”

• The other animals frolic unafraid, highlighting Behemoth’s serene dominance. Like Proverbs 28:1 notes, “The righteous are as bold as a lion,” Behemoth stands calm because nothing threatens him.

• Harmony in creation: Psalm 104:20–22 portrays nocturnal beasts that “roam about,” yet within God’s ordering there is room for play and peace. Similarly, Isaiah 11:6 envisions a future where predators and prey coexist; Job’s snapshot gives an earthly preview.

• God’s point to Job: If lesser creatures can relax beside this colossus, how much more should Job rest in the LORD’s sovereignty (compare Psalm 4:8).

• Practical takeaway: Trust frees us from fear. Knowing the Almighty rules, believers can “lie down and sleep in peace” (Psalm 3:5).

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summary

Job 40:20 paints a vivid picture of God’s lavish provision and perfect order. Hills teem with vegetation to satisfy Behemoth, and smaller animals play close by, untroubled. Together, these images remind us that the Creator sustains every creature, governs every relationship in nature, and invites His people to live in confident, fearless dependence on Him.