Job 41:3
Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Historical Context
Ancient diplomatic practices involved negotiation and appeals for mercy. God's questions establish that Leviathan exists beyond such human methods. This taught that certain threats—whether natural forces, evil powers, or overwhelming circumstances—require divine power, not human cleverness, to overcome.
Questions for Reflection
- What situations have you tried to negotiate or reason with that actually require God's powerful intervention?
- How does recognizing the limits of human diplomacy increase dependence on divine power?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?" Leviathan won't beg for mercy or negotiate—it cannot be reasoned with or persuaded. The Hebrew tachanun (תַּחֲנוּן, "supplications") and rakot (רַכּוֹת, "soft/gentle words") emphasize impossibility of peaceful resolution. Some forces cannot be diplomatically managed, requiring sovereign power to control. This teaches that not all problems yield to human wisdom or negotiation—some require divine intervention beyond human capability.