Topical Bible: Behemoth: An Amphibious Animal

◄ Behemoth: An Amphibious Animal ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Behemoth" appears in the Bible in the Book of Job, specifically in Job 40:15-24. This creature is described in a manner that has intrigued scholars, theologians, and lay readers for centuries. The Behemoth is often considered a symbol of God's creative power and the majesty of His creation.

Biblical Description:

In Job 40:15-24 , God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, presenting the Behemoth as an example of His unparalleled craftsmanship:

"Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox. See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly. His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit. His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron. He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him. The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby. He lies under the lotus plants, hidden among the reeds of the marsh. The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him. Though the river rages, he is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth. Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare?"

Characteristics and Habitat:

The Behemoth is depicted as a massive, powerful creature, with a diet of grass, suggesting a herbivorous nature. Its strength is emphasized through the description of its loins and belly muscles, and its tail is likened to a cedar, indicating a large and sturdy appendage. The reference to bones as "tubes of bronze" and limbs as "rods of iron" further underscores its formidable physicality.

The habitat of the Behemoth is described as being among the reeds and marshes, suggesting an amphibious lifestyle. It is portrayed as being at ease in the water, unperturbed by the raging river, which aligns with the notion of an animal comfortable in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

From a theological perspective, the Behemoth serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the complexity of His creation. The creature's immense power and unassailable nature highlight the limitations of human strength and understanding in comparison to the divine.

Throughout history, various interpretations have been proposed regarding the identity of the Behemoth. Some suggest it may be a poetic representation of a real animal, such as the hippopotamus or an extinct creature like a dinosaur. Others view it as a mythical or symbolic entity, representing chaos or the untamed aspects of the natural world.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, large and powerful animals often symbolized strength and were associated with deities or cosmic forces. The Behemoth, alongside the Leviathan mentioned in the subsequent chapter of Job, fits within this cultural framework as a representation of God's dominion over all creation, including the most formidable of creatures.

The Behemoth's mention in the Book of Job, a text that addresses the themes of suffering, divine justice, and human limitation, serves to remind readers of the vastness of God's creation and the mystery of His ways. The creature's portrayal as "the foremost of God’s works" emphasizes the grandeur and intricacy of the natural world, inviting awe and reverence for the Creator.