Job 40:23
Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.
Original Language Analysis
יַעֲשֹׁ֣ק
Behold he drinketh up
H6231
יַעֲשֹׁ֣ק
Behold he drinketh up
Strong's:
H6231
Word #:
2 of 11
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
נָ֭הָר
a river
H5104
נָ֭הָר
a river
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
3 of 11
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַחְפּ֑וֹז
and hasteth
H2648
יַחְפּ֑וֹז
and hasteth
Strong's:
H2648
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear
יִבְטַ֓ח׀
not he trusteth
H982
יִבְטַ֓ח׀
not he trusteth
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָגִ֖יחַ
that he can draw up
H1518
יָגִ֖יחַ
that he can draw up
Strong's:
H1518
Word #:
8 of 11
to gush forth (as water), generally to issue
Historical Context
The Jordan River represented significant water supply in arid Palestine. Suggesting a creature could "drink it up" emphasized extraordinary size. Ancient audiences would be awed by God's ability to create and sustain such massive creatures. This assured readers that God's provision matches any scale of need.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision for creatures with massive needs encourage trust in His provision for you?
- What enormous needs tempt you to anxiety rather than trusting God's adequate supply?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth." Behemoth's massive water consumption—"drinking up a river" hyperbolically emphasizes its size. It doesn't "hasten" (yachpoz, יַחְפֹּז, "hurry/be anxious")—it trusts (batach, בָּטַח) in abundant supply. Even the Jordan River seems insufficient. This demonstrates that God creates and sustains creatures with enormous needs, teaching that He provides adequately for all scales of requirement. If God sustains Behemoth, He will sustain you.