Job 41:12 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Job 41:12

Comments

God has created nothing without careful consideration. Every detail of this creature has been intricately designed, and is worthy of Job’s attention and deep reflection. At the time of its creation vast thought was put into this beast, and it was always there for man to look upon as an example of his Creator’s workmanship, and it has not changed. God knew what lessons he put into it from the beginning, and now in this very unusual passage of Scripture he tells Job a little of what they are. ‘I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.’ First, God draws Job’s attention to Leviathan’s unapproachability and his defences. With language rich in metaphors, the Lord describes him as possessing an outer coat, perhaps a reference to his tough skin which protects him from any would-be attacker. This is going to have to be removed if any successful assault is to be made on him. Try removing ‘the face of his garment’, his impenetrable outer garment: you will regret it if you do. His instinct is to destroy all that come close to him and he uses his enormous strength to do it. Then again, can you come near him with a bridle as you might a horse, and put the bit in his mouth and the halter around his head. You will discover that he is a very different sort of creature to the comparatively placid horse, for you would have to put that bit into a mouth full of terrible teeth and he is going to make full use of them. The doors of his face are his jaws and you have got to get them open to place the bit inside, but when Leviathan opens his mouth it is for another reason and not to let human beings bridle him. He is equipped with a terrible set of teeth that no one would want to risk him using on them. He knows how to use those teeth and you are unlikely to survive such an encounter. He can defend himself with terrifying ferocity.

Application

If Job is compared with this creature, the lesson is that he has not been on his guard. Job understood quicker than us. Job was a great poet; he knew the implications and applications of each picture. Job has allowed the comforters to get under his skin. We are to be friendly, but don’t let worldlings get too close. The believer has an inner temple which is reserved for the Lord, and others must not be allowed to invade this privacy. We should not pour out our problems to unbelieving associates around us. Christians should be seen as deep people, but Job has behaved so predictably. If they accuse him, he will fly off the handle. He could be touched off so easily. Unbelievers at home in your family know exactly how to touch you off. We need to maintain a certain dignity and reserve with them, for they are not the Lords. ‘Do not cast your pearls before swine’, says the Lord.

If the comparison is made with the Creator of Leviathan, then, referring to his scales and tough skin underneath, in no circumstances is God weak. No one can find a weak point in him and bring him down. A great politician has weaknesses, but our God is perfect. If you could only break his jaws you would have broken the power of the creature, but you can’t. Can anybody withstand it when God has become angry? No one can break the power of God.

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Job 41:12 Commentary and Bible Study