Job 41:29
Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.
Original Language Analysis
נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ
are counted
H2803
נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ
are counted
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
וְ֝יִשְׂחַ֗ק
he laugheth
H7832
וְ֝יִשְׂחַ֗ק
he laugheth
Strong's:
H7832
Word #:
4 of 6
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
Historical Context
Spears were the primary weapon of ancient infantry, and their shaking (brandishing) before battle was intended to intimidate enemies. Warriors would clash spears against shields while shouting to inspire fear. Leviathan's laughter at this display completely reverses the expected power dynamic, showing human intimidation tactics failing against this creature.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual intimidation tactics do you employ that are actually laughable to the enemy you face?
- How does recognizing God's power over what mocks human strength encourage you in spiritual warfare?
- In what areas of life do you need to stop relying on your 'spear shaking' and trust God's power instead?
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Analysis & Commentary
The catalog of useless weapons concludes with close combat arms. 'Darts are counted as stubble' (ke-qash nechshevu totach, כְּקַשׁ נֶחְשְׁבוּ תּוֹתָח) describes how Leviathan regards clubs or javelins as mere chaff. 'He laugheth at the shaking of a spear' (yis'chaq le-ra'ash kidon, יִשְׂחַק לְרַעַשׁ כִּידוֹן) depicts the creature's contempt for even the threatening gesture of brandished weapons. The verb 'laugheth' (sachaq, שָׂחַק) suggests scorn and derision—Leviathan mocks human military threats. This anthropomorphization emphasizes the vast gulf between human power and this divine creation. Theologically, the verse warns against presumption—approaching spiritual enemies with human confidence leads to defeat and mockery. It also reveals God's perspective on human pride: our mightiest achievements are laughable to Him when employed in rebellion. Yet the verse also offers hope: the God who created Leviathan to laugh at human weapons can easily defeat all enemies on our behalf.