The term "river-beast" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, it can be associated with creatures mentioned in biblical texts that dwell in or near rivers. The most notable biblical creature that fits this description is the "Leviathan," a formidable and mysterious creature often associated with water bodies, including rivers and seas.

Leviathan

The Leviathan is described in several passages in the Bible, most prominently in the Book of Job. In Job 41, God speaks to Job about the Leviathan, emphasizing its strength and the futility of human attempts to subdue it. The creature is depicted as a powerful and untamable beast, symbolizing chaos and the mighty forces of nature that only God can control. The Leviathan is often interpreted as a crocodile or a mythical sea monster, representing the untamed and dangerous aspects of creation.

Job 41:1-2 : "Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?"

The Leviathan is also mentioned in Psalm 104:26, where it is portrayed as a creature of the sea, created by God to frolic in the waters. This depiction highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, including the most fearsome of creatures.

Psalm 104:26 : "There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there."

Behemoth

Another creature that might be considered a "river-beast" is the Behemoth, described in Job 40. While not explicitly linked to rivers, the Behemoth is said to dwell near water, feeding on grass like an ox and having strength in its loins and power in its muscles. Some scholars suggest that the Behemoth could be a reference to a hippopotamus, an animal known for its affinity to riverine environments.

Job 40:15-16 : "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."

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical literature, creatures like the Leviathan and Behemoth often symbolize the chaotic and untamed aspects of the natural world. They serve as reminders of God's ultimate authority and power over creation. These creatures, while fearsome and mighty, are part of God's design and are subject to His will.

The imagery of river-beasts in the Bible can also be seen as a metaphor for the challenges and adversities faced by humanity. Just as these creatures are beyond human control, so too are many of life's trials, which require faith and reliance on God's strength and wisdom.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, river-beasts and sea monsters were common motifs in mythology and literature. They often represented chaos and were depicted as adversaries of the gods. The biblical portrayal of such creatures, however, emphasizes God's supremacy and the order He brings to creation, contrasting with the chaotic forces symbolized by these beasts.

The Leviathan and Behemoth, as river-beasts, serve as powerful symbols within the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of divine power, creation, and the ultimate triumph of order over chaos.

Of the Expedition against the Persians.
... One of these oracles I subjoin in proof of their falsehood. It was as follows.
"Now we gods all started to get trophies of victory by the river beast and of ...
/.../chapter xvi of the expedition against.htm

River-beast (1 Occurrence)
River-beast. Riverbank, River-beast. Riverbed . Multi-Version
Concordance River-beast (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 29:3 Say ...
/r/river-beast.htm - 6k

Riverbed (2 Occurrences)

/r/riverbed.htm - 6k

Riverbank (1 Occurrence)

/r/riverbank.htm - 6k

Streams (80 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 29:3 Say to them, These are the words of the Lord: See, I am against you,
Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great river-beast stretched out among his Nile ...
/s/streams.htm - 30k

Nile (37 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 29:3 Say to them, These are the words of the Lord: See, I am against you,
Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great river-beast stretched out among his Nile ...
/n/nile.htm - 29k

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