Unequaled
BEHEMOTH AND LEVIATHAN AS TYPES OF GOD
Though most poignant and succinct, the Creation account of Genesis 1 and 2 is not the lengthiest scriptural passage concerning the Creation. Rather, Job 38-41, God’s closing discourse in the epic saga of Job, his three friends, and the mysterious young Elihu, provides us with the most thorough discussion of the creation found in Scripture.
A central question of Job (though not its only theme), expressed by Job himself, was whether God acts justly. After young Elihu was compelled to speak (Job 32-37), God Himself spoke, exemplifying his utter right and righteousness simply by describing the wonder and spectrum of his creative works. His begins (chapter 38) speaking of the creation of Earth itself, and of its geophysical processes, continuing on the stars and weather, followed by a survey of ten creatures and their noteworthy characteristics. After giving Job a chance to talk back, which Job wisely refuses, God resumes in full oration by discussing only two creatures: the behemoth (ten verses of chapter 40), and the leviathan (all 34 verses of chapter 41).
Although it is noteworthy that both these creatures are now extinct (the behemoth likely describing an apatosaur or brachiosaur, and the leviathan a plesiosaur or kronosaur), it is perhaps more noteworthy that these creatures were 1) unequaled, and 2) opposite in nature. Let’s elaborate on these ideas and then consider why God chose these two for his treatise.
The Creation account has a distinct filling order: Water, sky, and land were prepared (Days 1-3), and then after the backdrop of stars and planets (Day 4), God filled Earth likewise with creatures of water, sky, and land, and then humankind (days 5-6). As such, the Creation account shows a progression as God moves from the three major domains to the life created for those domains, and finally to the crown of his creation, humankind. So it is not surprising that the greatest creature of land, behemoth, is claimed as “chief of the ways of God” (Job 40:19). Other than humans, behemoth ranks number one. So what was this creature like? It is described as a grazer (v. 15), with great strength in his loins (v. 16), a massive tail and defined musculature (v. 17), and massive, strong bones (v. 18). It is restful (vv. 21-22), confident (v. 23), and unable to be captured (v. 24).
By contrast, the leviathan is a creature of water, even of the deep sea (mehtsowlah and tehowm), and though not “chief” of God’s works, the scripture says that “on earth there is nothing like him, which is made without fear” (Job 41:33), which is to say that this is the most formidable of 
creatures. What was this creature like? It is described as one completely beyond capture or subduing (vv. 1-8,26), overwhelming to the sight and to any aggressors (vv. 9,25), stealthy and graceful despite its power (v. 12, cross-referencing other uses of Hebrew bad), possessing an impenetrable coat, tightly fitted armor, and a strong breastplate (vv. 13,15-17,23-24), and bearing a strong jaw with rows of sharp teeth (v. 14). The leviathan breathed out fire and smoke (vv. 18-21), boasted a strong neck (v. 22), treated weaponry as nothing (vv. 27-29), and also boasted sharp, dredging protrusions (v. 30). It stirred up the deep (v. 31), and drew up a whitewater wake behind it as it swam (v. 32).
We see that these two are the “big kahunas” of creation: the behemoth unequaled in value, the leviathan unequaled in might. We note that God chose to exemplify two great works that, other than in their stately rule over their domains, were greatly contrasted in nature. Of course by doing so, and by adding an editorial comment, including the words “everything under heaven is Mine” (Job 41:11), God stated his utter right to do what he pleases with his creation, and that what does is thus inherently right.
But why such a lengthy discourse on these polar opposites? Perhaps God was speaking not only of his right as the creator of such greatness, but also of Himself as possessing the qualities bestowed upon these two. Like behemoth, God is chief, of the highest rank, and yet gentle and a purveyor of rest. Simultaneously, like leviathan, God is to be greatly feared, awesome beyond belief, and utterly destructive and even mocking (Psalm 104:26) to that which comes against Him. Now granted, the leviathan is also used as a type of Satan in Psalm 74:14 and Isaiah 27:1, but perhaps this is in similar fashion to the way in which both Jesus (Hosea 5:14-15, Revelation 5:5) and Satan (1 Peter 5:8) are typed as lions. Furthermore, in Job 41:10, when God speaks of not being able to stand up to leviathan, He adds “who then is able to stand before me?”
We can be thankful that God took the time to expound upon these two creatures. We do not have them among us today, but these descriptions suffice to make the point, not only to Job who heard it then, but also to us who read it now. We can be amazed that God fashioned creatures such as these. Yet beyond that, we are both confronted and comforted with the reality of who He is: Terrible and unapproachable on our terms, but otherwise gentle, peaceful, and strong. Like Job did (Job 42:1-6) we can acknowledge this reality, repent, and receive much (42:10-17) from the generous God who possesses all.
© 2009 Chard Berndt
All Scriptures NKJV.
Here’s the February Essay
I’m back to offer up another writing. Years ago I worked on a series of songs in the book of Job and was blown away by all the discourses. The three companions of Job rant and rave a lot, the mysterious Elihu finally speaks and gives a killer sermon, and then God Himself orates. Always nice to have the directly spoken words of God recorded for us!
Some time later, when I studied the creation-oriented passages in particular, I filed away some notes and thoughts that have worked their way into this month’s post. It provides a reflection on the nature of God…always a worthy subject! Yet when one elaborates on God’s nature he or she had better speak with accuracy! I trust that I have done so, and that this essay will foster a further reverence for and alliance with our Creator.
Thanks for reading!
- Chard