Job 40:20
Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָרִ֣ים
Surely the mountains
H2022
הָרִ֣ים
Surely the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יִשְׂאוּ
bring him forth
H5375
יִשְׂאוּ
bring him forth
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיַּ֥ת
where all the beasts
H2416
חַיַּ֥ת
where all the beasts
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 10
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Historical Context
Ancient peoples often viewed powerful animals as threats to order. God reveals that even Behemoth, despite overwhelming strength, participates peacefully in creation. This taught that divine design integrates all creatures—even the most powerful—into harmonious systems. It assured readers that God's governance produces order from potential chaos.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Behemoth's peaceful coexistence with smaller creatures model proper use of power?
- What strength has God given you that should be exercised peaceably within His established order?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play." Behemoth grazes peacefully in mountains—harim (הָרִים) provide its food. Other animals "play" (yesachaqu, יְשַׂחֲקוּ) nearby without fear. This massive creature lives peacefully within God's created order despite its power. God designed even the most formidable creatures to fit harmoniously into ecosystems. This demonstrates that power under divine governance produces order, not chaos. It anticipates the peaceable kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9) where strength serves rather than threatens.