Bereansearching Bible Studies

Introduction

In the Book of Job, Chapter 41, God devotes and entire chapter to provide His description of a very large and fearsome aquatic creature, which is called “Leviathan” (immediately following having just described a similarly fearsome terrestrial creature called “Behemoth“), leaving one to wonder what is the point of all that? The descriptions are all framed within a rhetorical question construct such that it is impossible for Job to answer positively. Was this description of leviathan simply to provide another example of God’s great might, and His superior creative power, whereby Job would thus be diminished by comparison? Or is there something else…beyond the “physical”…which could easily be overlooked when understanding the Bible from only a literal, grammatical, and historical perspective?

This study will show that there is, indeed, far more than just meets the “physical” eye as viewed from only a human perspective, if God is so pleased to allow one to see from a “spiritual” perspective, having blessed him or her with “Spiritual Ears and Spiritual Eyes“. God also specifies in 1 Corinthians 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” The means of comparing spiritual things with spiritual is by carefully comparing of scripture with scripture, searching out the words for their original Hebrew meanings, because all Biblical scripture is spiritual, precisely as we are told in 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.“

This study will show that God provided to Job (and us) with a spiritual allegorical portrait of the great adversary of God and all mankind, the Devil/Satan. 

Dear reader, please read on to see the explanation of this otherwise generally hidden spiritual truth.

Before reading further, this teacher would like the reader to understand what is a “parable” and how and why Jesus ALWAYS employed parables when speaking to the multitudes. Moreover, the purpose of “parables” (often referred to as “earthly stories with heavenly meanings”) has everything to do with God’s Magnificent Plan of Salvation. Therefore, the Bible should NEVER be assumed to be read and understood from a purely superficial, earthly, perspective.

The “Leviathan” as Described by God

Beginning in Job 40:15, when God was speaking to Job out of a “whirlwind“, we are first introduced to an unusually large and strong creature whom God describes as the “Leviathan“. Leviathan is derived from the original Hebrew word לִוְיָתָן (livyāṯān)^H3882, which is only found six times in the Bible. The King James translators interpreted it variously as leviathan (5x) or mourning (1x)*. We also know, by God’s own provided analogy, that leviathan is a crooked/piercing serpent, from the original Hebrew word בָּרִחַ (bāriaḥ)^H1281, based on what we are told in Job 26:13, when Job was declaring God’s greatness to his friend Bildad, Job said in “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked (בָּרִחַ (bāriaḥ))^H1281serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175.” Also in Isaiah 27:1, we are told by God, “In that day (Judgment Day) the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan (לִוְיָתָן (livyāṯān))^H3882  the piercing (בָּרִחַ (bāriaḥ))^H1281 serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175, even leviathan (לִוְיָתָן (livyāṯān))^H3882 that crooked (עֲקַלָּתוֹן (ʿăqallāṯôn))^H6129serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175; and he shall slay the dragon (תַּנִּין (tannîn))^H8577 that [is] in the sea.” [NOTE: The original Hebrew word for “crooked“, עֲקַלָּתוֹן(ʿăqallāṯôn))^H6129, is found only this once in the Bible, means “crooked” or “tortuous” like a snake.]

*NOTE: It seems more than a bit awkward that the same original Hebrew word for “leviathan“, is translated as “mourning” in the King James Version in Job 3:8, “Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.” While not easily understood, we can at least say that this word is an ominous one.

Moreover the very same original Hebrew word, נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš)^H5175, which is translated as “serpent” in the above verse, is the same word first found in the Bible in Genesis 3:1, “¶Now the serpent (נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš))^H5175 was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” So then,  it would seem that God has not only equated that “serpent” with the devil, but also the “leviathan“ and the “dragon“ (and even the great “whales“ תַּנִּין (tannîn)^H8577 going all the way back in Genesis 1:24)

The two remaining Bible verses that address “leviathan” are:

1. Psalm 74:12-14 which states, “For God [is] my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters. Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, [and] gavest him [to be] meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.“
2. Psalm 104:26, “There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.” 

Verse by Verse Review of Job 41:1-34

Job 41:1, “¶Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord [which] thou lettest down?“

When viewed as only addressing the man, Job, clearly the answer to this and all of the ensuing question is only “NO”. The leviathan is an unconquerable sea creature. Bear in mind that this question, and all of the ensuing questions by God are entirely rhetorical, because only God can answer affirmatively, “YES”.

Job 41:2, “Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?“

Again the point is made that the unconquerable see creature (evidently known to Job) cannot even be taken with something like a harpoon. These first two verses challenge Job’s relative insignificant humanity in comparison to God’s power and dominion over all Creation. The ensuing verses however animate and anthropomorphize the sea creature, such that Leviathan becomes a metaphor.

Job 41:3, “Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?“

The question is will this Leviathan beg Job for mercy? Will the leviathan intreat with tender words to Job as one would appeal to God for mercy?

Job 41:4, “Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?“

Will the Leviathan made a pledge or a promise to Job? Will Job be able to have Leviathan as an eternal slave? (as though he would be willing to be subject to Job…which he would not!)

Job 41:5, “Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?“

Could Leviathan be played with as a pet bird? Could Job trap and cage Leviathan to keep for his own young girls as a pet?

Job 41:6, “Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?“

If Job could actually catch Leviathan, would Job try to make merchandise of him?, or would Job try to sell parts of Leviathan to his associates?

Job 41:7, “Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?“

This question renews the issue of is it possible for Job to catch Leviathan…and kill Leviathan?

Job 41:8, “Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.“

This continues the point. If Job can catch Leviathan, then simply make a record of that battle with him, Job need not do anymore.

Job 41:9, “Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?“

This verse is effectively saying, forget it Job, you do not have a chance in getting him. It is futile for anyone to think that they could succeed. Anyone who thinks it is possible is simply deceiving himself because he would be “hurled back” (“cast down“) just at the sight of Leviathan.

Job 41:10, “None [is so] fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?“

The reason is that there is nothing so “fierce” (“overpoweringly deadly”) to confront Leviathan: what person could possibly “stand” (“present themselves”) before God, Himself? (face to face)

Job 41:11, “Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.“

This verse is effectively saying, “Who has gone before God, such that God should answer to that person “peace or reward”? Is there anyone who existed before God…? and…Finally, all of Creation belongs to God!

We could say that these last two verses are an “aside” commentary by God to make the following point…Regarding this creation of God’s, Leviathan, no human being is strong or bold enough to arouse and contend with Leviathan, much less anyone thinking that they can stand face to face before God! God is greater than Leviathan because God created him. Likewise, who is it that leads, or precedes God to show Him what to do? Is there anyone that is before God that God should reward that person? The answer is NO ONE!

The Apostle Paul reiterates these points almost verbatim as we read in Romans 11:33-36, “¶O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? ¶For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.“

Other pertinent verses:

Exodus 19:5, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:“

Deuteronomy 10:14, “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens [is] the LORD’S thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein [is].“

Psalm 24:1, “¶[[A Psalm of David.]] The earth [is] the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

Psalm 50:12, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.“

1 Corinthians 10:26, “For the earth [is] the Lord’s,  and the fulness thereof.“

1 Corinthians 10:28, “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord’s,  and the fulness thereof:“

For more on God’s complete and total Sovereignty, please see: “The Real Inconvenient Truth“.

Job 41:12, “I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.“

God is stating that He will not “conceal” (e.g., “be silent about”) the Leviathan’s “parts” (“lies”) nor the Leviathan’s “power” (“strength”).

It should be noted that there is something that is very significant in this verse, in which God has provided us with another “Hidden Spiritual Gem“. The original Hebrew word that was translated by the King James translators as “parts” is בַּד (baḏ)^H907, is translated everywhere else in the Bible as either lie (3x) or liar (2x). The King James translators were not thinking “spiritually”, but rather “literally”, and therefore inserted “parts” rather than “lies”, because, from a “literal” perspective, “lies” did not make any sense to them. However, from a “spiritual” perspective, given that God is describing the devil in a metaphoric way, “lies” makes perfect sense. When Jesus denounced the Jews who sought to kill him, Jesus said in John 8:44, “Ye are of [your] father the devil,  and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” God concealed the truth of the passage from the translators (and hence from most casual readers of the English Bible), but now God has allowed the truth to be told (given that we are now in the end times). For another example of how the translators saw only the literal implications, and not the spiritual, of such passages…Please see the post: “Hidden Spiritual Gem #5 in the Bible: A Misinterpretation Found In Nehemiah Chapter 2“

God will also not be silent about the Leviathan’s beautiful appearance (“estimation”, “value”, “price”, or “frame”). God created Leviathan as a metaphor for the devil to make the point that the devil was an amazing creation. The devil is evil, a murderer, and the father of lies. He is also beguiling. Even when the devil is first introduced in Genesis 3:1, we were told that the “serpent” (the devil) was “more ‘subtil’ than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made” And the original Hebrew word translated as “subtil” is עָרוּם (ʿārûm)^H6175 which is more often interpreted as “cunning” and “crafty” in an evil manner.

Remember also how the devil was metaphorically described by God as “king of Tyrus” in Ezekiel 28:12-19 that included his having the following attributes: “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.”and “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;” and “Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” and “thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness:I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”

God created the leviathan (the devil) with purpose; for his parts (his evil lies), strength (his will), and appearance (his attractive beguiling nature to the reprobate sons of Adam). The devil is full of lies, is deceitful, and is seductive with those lies.

For more on how God uses the devil as a tool for God’s purposes, please see this post: “The Songs of Moses“

The following verses provide a description of leviathan’s “physical” attributes.

Job 41:13, “Who can discover the face of his garment? [or] who can come [to him] with his double bridle?“

The first question can be understood to mean, “Who can cause to be uncovered how the leviathan (devil) appears, or what form he takes?”…the answer is NO one but God!

The second question can be understood to mean, “Who can come near to the leviathan (devil) with a doubly strong restraint of both his actions and his mouth?”…the answer is NO one but God!

Essentially, God is making the point that there is no one else but God who can be brave enough to come close enough and has authority enough to know his looks (devices) and not be threatened even if the leviathan (devil) is doubly restrained.

Job 41:14, “Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth [are] terrible round about.“

This question begs the question of who is it that can control of the mouth of the leviathan?, because the doors of the face are his jaws, and the leviathan’s teeth are dreadful round about. The leviathan is a devourer! …the answer is NO one but God!

Note: Both verses 13 and 14 make reference to the face and mouth…from which come “words”, which in the case of the devil will only be deceitful, murderous, lies.

Job 41:15, “[His] scales [are his] pride, shut up together as [with] a close seal.“

The leviathan’s “scales” is the original Hebrew word, אָפִיק (‘āp̄îq)^H650, which has translated variously into English as river (10x), channel (3x), stream (2x), brooks (1x), mighty (1x), scales (1x), strong (1x), so it is difficult to be sure of the exact spiritual meaning, but clearly it is a feature that is integral to the leviathan’s (devil’s) “pride” (meaning “arrogant pride”). Moreover, those prideful features are tightly bound together.

But how they are bound is a bit of a mystery, because the word that is translated by the King James translators as “close” is the original Hebrew word, צַר (ṣar)^H6862, which has been translated variously in following manner: enemy (37x), adversary (26x), trouble (17x), distress (5x), affliction (3x), foes (2x), narrow (2x), strait (2x), flint (1x), sorrow (1x), miscellaneous (9x). It would seem that it could be saying that they are bound together…as in a tight, adversarial, and distressing manner with a seal (like that used with a king’s signet ring). By implication again, ONLY God is able break asunder those features of Leviathan (devil).

Job 41:16, “One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.“

This verse reiterates and amplifies how tightly those “features of pride” of Leviathan are bound together. From a purely physical perspective it is easy to understand this to be stating only that no air can come between them (which at least does suggest that no physical life could exist there, because life needs air to continue). However, the original Hebrew word that is translated as “air” is רוּחַ (rûaḥ) ^H7307, which has been translated variously as Spirit or spirit (232x), wind (92x), breath (27x), side (6x), mind (5x), blast (4x), vain (2x), air (1x), anger (1x), cool (1x), courage (1x), miscellaneous (6x). So we could also say that it is not just physical life, but spiritual life, that cannot breach those features of pride of the Leviathan (hence the devil).

Job 41:17, “They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.”

Leviathan’s (devil’s) “features of pride” are so strongly bound that they “stick together”, such that they simply are impenetrable and cannot be separated apart. We should consider that this leviathan (representing the devil) thinks that his exterior, composed of his pride, is impenetrable. His body is tightly joined, which would could say in the case of the devil would be comprised of his followers who are unified (cannot be separated or divided) and a source of his pride in that they offer no hope of life (eternal life).

Job 41:18, “By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes [are] like the eyelids of the morning.“

The word “neesings” is translated from the original Hebrew word, עֲטִישָׁה (ʿăṭîšâ)^H5846, which is found only once in the Bible, and is consistently considered to mean “sneezings”. The “light” is the same original Hebrew word, אוֹר (‘ôr)^H216, which we read about in Genesis 1:3, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” and then in Genesis 1:5, “And God called the light Day,…” so we can deduce that the leviathan “appeared” to bring “daylight”. This is made more clear by saying that the leviathan’s eyes were “like” the “dawning” of the “morning”.

But let us not forget how God described the devil in Isa 14:12, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” The point being that the devil comes looking like the Savior, Jesus Christ, who is spoken of in Malachi 4:2, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” The devil mimics/imitates Jesus, but he can only kill and never make alive. So we can see yet another analogy between the leviathan and the devil in this verse as well.

Job 41:19, “Out of his mouth go burning lamps, [and] sparks of fire leap out“.

The word “lamps” is, in the original Hebrew, לַפִּיד (lapîḏ) ^H3940, which has been translated variously as lamp (7x), firebrand (2x), torch (2x), brand (1x), lightning (1x), burning (1x). Here again an analogy is being made between the leviathan (the devil) exhibiting the appearance of Jesus.

1. Isaiah 62:1, “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ)) ^H3940 [that] burneth.”
2. Daniel 10:6, “His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps (לַפִּיד (lapîḏ))^H3940 of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.”
3. Jeremiah 23:29, “[Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces?“
4. Rev 1:14-16, “His head and [his] hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.”

The association of these leviathan attributes with Jesus are striking, but we have to remember what we are told in 2 Corinthians 11:14, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

Job 41:20, “Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as [out] of a seething pot or caldron.”

Look at how amazingly this verse and the following mimic/imitate the attributes declared to be associated with God!

Psalm 18:6-15, “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness [was] under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness [that was] before him his thick clouds passed, hail [stones] and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.” [NOTE: The word, “channels” is in the original Hebrew, אָפִיק (‘āp̄îq)^H650, which is the same word found earlier in verse 15, but there was translated as “scales”!]

Job 41:21, “His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.“

The original Hebrew word translated as “breath” is נֶפֶשׁ (nep̄eš)^H5315, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: soul (475x), life (117x), person (29x), mind (15x), heart (15x), creature (9x), body (8x), himself (8x), yourselves (6x), dead (5x), will (4x), desire (4x), man (3x), themselves (3x), any (3x), appetite (2x), miscellaneous (47x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “coals” is, גַּחֶלֶת (gaḥeleṯ)^H1513, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: coals (17x), coals of fire (1x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “flame” is לַהַב (lahaḇ)^H3851, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: flame (8x), blade (2x), glittering (1x), bright (1x).

So then, we could say that this verse could also read: “The leviathan’s (devil’s) ‘soul’ kindeleth ‘coals of fire’ and a flame goeith out of his mouth“. Again we are reminded how this mimics what we read of God in Psalm 18:8, “There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.”

This is completely consistent with what we find regarding the devil desiring to be just like God in Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” but we know the devil’s fate as it is stated clearly in the very next verse in Isaiah 14:15, “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.“

Job 41:22, “In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.”

The original Hebrew word translated as “remaineth” is לוּן (lûn)^H3885, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: lodge (33x), murmur (14x), … the night (14x), abide (7x), remain (6x), tarry (2x), lodge in (2x), continue (1x), dwell (1x), endure (1x), grudge (1x), left (1x), lie (1x), variant (3x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “strength” is עֹז (ʿōz)^H5797, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: strength (60x), strong (17x), power (11x), might (2x), boldness (1x), loud (1x), mighty (1x).

So we could say that this verse is also saying “In leviathan’s (devil’s) neck dwells strength”…therefore we could say that the leviathan, hence the devil, is “stiffnecked”.

The second part of the verse makes it clear that the leviathan, hence the devil, rejoices in bringing sorrow…he thrives on it!

Job 41:23, “The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.“

The original Hebrew word translated as “flakes is “מַפָּל (mapāl)“, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: flakes (1x), refuse (1x). but when looked at more closely, the idea is that which is “falling off” or “saggings” of the leviathan’s skin.

The original Hebrew word translated as “joined together” is דָּבַק (dāḇaq)^H1692, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: cleave (32x), follow hard (5x), overtake (3x), stick (3x), keep fast (2x), …together (2x), abide (1x), close (1x), joined (1x), pursued (1x), take (1x).

The original Hebrew word translated as “firm” is יָצַק (yāṣaq)^H3332, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: pour (21x), cast (11x), …out (7x), molten (6x), firm (2x), set down (1x), fast (1x), groweth (1x), hard (1x), overflown (1x), stedfast (1x).

So we could say that this verse is also saying that “The saggings of the leviathan’s (the devil’s) flesh cleave to him and are firm (overflowing and stedfast) and unmovable in themselves.” The leviathan’s (the devil’s) being is firm, strong, and impenetrable, and fat with his prey.

Job 41:24, “His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether [millstone].”

The first part of this verse tells us that leviathan’s (the devil’s) heart is as “firm” (again יָצַק (yāṣaq)^H3332) as a stone (אֶבֶן (‘eḇen))^H68 which leads us to another mimicing by the leviathan (the devil) of God, as we read in Genesis 49:24, “But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty [God] of Jacob; (from thence [is] the shepherd, the stone (אֶבֶן (‘eḇen))^H68 of Israel:).

The second part of the verse reiterates the hardness of leviathan’s heart…it is as hard (firm, יָצַק (yāṣaq)^H3332) as a piece of a nether (“lower” as in deep, underground, as in a hard rock mine). [NOTE: that “millstone” is implied, but evidently is a reasonable translation, as millstones are made of very hard rock].

We can all agree that the devil is extremely “hard hearted”!

Job 41:25, “When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.

This is an extremely difficult verse to exegete, because of the incredible variance in the meanings of each of the five original Hebrew words found within it. The single original Hebrew word that is translated as “When he raiseth up himself” is שְׂאֵת (śᵊ’ēṯ)^H7613, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: rising (7x), dignity (2x), excellency (2x), accepted (1x), highness (1x), raise up (1x). This is reminiscent of what we find in 2 Thessalonians 2:3&4, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

The original Hebrew word for “the mighty” is אַיִל (‘ayil)^H352, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: ram(s) (156x), post(s) (21x), mighty (men) (4x), trees (2x), lintel (1x), oaks (1x).

The original Hebrew word for “are afraid” is גּוּר (gûr)^H1481, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: sojourn (58x), dwell (12x), afraid (6x), stranger (6x), gather together (4x), fear (3x), abide (2x), assemble (1x), stand in awe (1x), gathered (1x), inhabitant (1x), remain (1x), sojourners (1x), surely (1x).

The original Hebrew word for “by reason of breakings” is שֶׁבַר (šeḇar)^H7667, which which the King James translators interpreted variously as: destruction (21x), breach (7x), hurt (4x), breaking (3x), affliction (2x), bruise (2x), crashing (1x), interpretation (1x), vexation (1x), miscellaneous (2x).

The original Hebrew word for “they purify themselves” is חָטָא (ḥāṭā’)^H2398, which the King James translators interpreted variously as: sin (188x), purify (11x), cleanse (8x), sinner (8x), committed (6x), offended (4x), blame (2x), done (2x), fault (1x), harm (1x), loss (1x), miss (1x), offender (1x), purge (1x), reconciliation (1x), sinful (1x), trespass (1x).

So it could just be that there is a much more complex “spiritual” meaning to be had from this verse than it would initially be understood in a cursory reading from only a purely “earthly” perspective…

It may just be that this verse could be telling us on a “spiritual” level that “Because of the uprising excellency of the Leviathan (the devil), the sons of men (גּוּר (gûr)^H1481), scatter and dwell together for fear of him and by reason of breaking (שֶׁבַר (šeḇar)^H7667), meaning ruin or destruction, as in Proverbs 16:18) they (the sons of men) (חָטָא (ḥāṭā’)^H2398), and either cleanse, meaning attempt to cleanse; OR sin, meaning do the same, as in create ruin themselves. So when the devil rules, men are subject to and objects of his destruction, so much so, that they seek to get right with him (purify themselves via the devil’s false gospels). 

Job 41:26, “The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.“

There is no earthly weapon of war that can rise up and reach (defeat) the leviathan, therefore no man can harm or kill leviathan (the devil) or be able to defend himself from him. But we know that God can destroy the devil bearing in mind these verses:

Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“

Revelation 1:16, describing The Lord Jesus Christ having the “Sword” that can defeat the devil, “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.”

Job 41:27, “He esteemeth iron as straw, [and] brass as rotten wood.“

This verse is much more straight forward. The leviathan (the devil) regards iron as weak as straw, [and] brass as nothing but rotten wood.

However, we should be cognizant again of how these two metals are referenced elsewhere in the Bible. These two metals are spiritual references to God’s Judgments for sin and are intimately linked with Hell, the ultimate punishment.

God promised to national Israel if they were disobedient to His Commandments, which included what we are told in 

1. Leviticus 26:18&19, “And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:“
2. In Psalm 107:16, we read prophetically about Jesus conquering Hell for the believers, “For he (Jesus) hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.” and
3. In Isaiah 45:2, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:“

The bottom line is that leviathan (the devil) has no regard for God’s wrath and judgment and dismisses that impending doom as though he will not be subject to them somehow despite what the devil was told explicitly in Isaiah 14:12-15.

Job 41:28, “The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.“

This would seem to be a reiteration of the points made in the previous verses. No earthly weapon can defeat the leviathan (the devil).

Job 41:29, “Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.“

The darts (clubs) are likewise regarded as “stubble” (harmless chaff). The leviathan (the devil) laughs at the shaking (rattling) of another earthly weapon, a spear, at him.

Job 41:30, “Sharp stones [are] under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire.“

1) The first part of this verse tells us that “Sharp stones” are underneath the leviathan. When we look at the original Hebrew word for “stones“, which is חֶרֶשׂ (ḥereś)^H2789, it has actually been variously translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible as: earthen (8x), potsherd (5x), sherd (2x), stone (1x), earth (1x). So we can see that the verse is actually telling us that broken pieces of pottery are underneath this monstrous beast. When we compare scripture with scripture we find that this is spiritually referring to the broken souls of mankind. God is the Potter and we are the vessels of earth made by His Hands. Please see the study: “The Potter and the Clay“

Remembering that those who are in league with the devil, the heathen, Jesus will break in pieces on Judgment Day just like He said in Psalm 2:7-9, “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.“

Compare with Revelation 2:27, “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.“

2) The second part of the verse includes some key words that make the exegesis difficult. When we look at the original Hebrew word for “spreadeth“, which is רָפַד (rāp̄aḏ)^H7502, it has actually been variously translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible as: spread (1x), made (1x), comfort (1x). However, that word is (according to “Strong’s Definitions”) “by implication, to refresh:—comfort, make (a bed), spread.”

Interestingly, the original Hebrew word translated as “sharp pointed things” is חָרוּץ (ḥārûṣ)^H2742, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: gold (6x), diligent (5x), decision (2x), threshing instrument (2x), sharp (1x), sharp things (1x), wall (1x).

Finally, the original Hebrew word translated as “mire” is טִיט (ṭîṭ)^H2916, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: mire (8x), clay (3x), dirt (2x). However, when we look at the contexts in which this word “mire” is found, we find the that the word is intimately linked with Hell:

1. Psalm 40:2, “He (God) brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of ^H2916 the miry clay, ^H2916 and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.“
2. Psalm 69:14, “Deliver me out of the mire, ^H2916 and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.“

We might say therefore that God seems to be making a “spiritual” point that the leviathan (the devil) makes his bed in Hell upon these broken potsherds (the destroyed souls of men), that he “threshed”, as though they were “gold” to him. Isaiah 45:9, “Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd (חֶרֶשׂ (ḥereś))^H2789 [strive] with the potsherds (חֶרֶשׂ (ḥereś))^H2789of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?” Clearly God is comparing sinful mankind as being like “potsherds”.

Note: Another original Hebrew word that has been translated into English as “mire” is חֹמֶר (ḥōmer)^H2563, which has been translated variously as: clay (11x), homer (11x), morter (4x), mire (2x), heap (2x). When we look closely at the contexts, we see another similar theme: Isaiah 29:16, “Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as ^H2563 the potter’s clay: ^H2563 for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?” We see that the mire is the material that the potter crafts into pots. And then in Job 10:9, “Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; ^H2563 and wilt thou bring me into dust again?” and finally in Job 10:9, “Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; ^H2563 and wilt thou bring me into dust again?” Which also brings us back to Genesis 3:19, where God cursed Adam for his disobedience, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.” Again, please the study: “The Potter and the Clay”

Job 41:31, “He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.”

1) In the first part of the verse, the original Hebrew word for “deep” is מְצוֹלָה (mᵊṣôlâ)^H4688, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: deep (5x), deeps (3x), depths (2x), bottom (1x). But the meaning is to be found within the context of where the word is applied, which clearly once again points us to “Hell”.

1. Psalm 69:2, “I sink in deep ^H4688 mire, where [there is] no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
2. Psalm 69:15, “Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep ^H4688 swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.“
3. Psalm 88:6, “Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. ^H4688“
4. Jonah 2:3, “For thou hadst cast me into the deep, ^H4688 in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.” (Please also see: “The Book of Jonah”)

The original Hebrew word for “pot” is סִיר (sîr)^H5518, which has been translated by the King James translators elsewhere in the Bible variously as: pot (21x), caldron (5x), thorns (4x), washpot (with H7366) (2x), pans (1x), fishhooks (with H1729) (1x).

2) In the second part of the verse, the original Hebrew word for “like a pot of ointment” is מֶרְקָחָה (merqāḥâ)^H4841, is only found twice in the Bible as either pot of ointment (1x), well (1x), but is taken from a root word, רָקַח (rāqaḥ)^H7543 that is typical of a sweet smelling ointment of the apothecary used for “anointing” a we see in Exodus 30:25, “And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: ^H7543 it shall be an holy anointing oil.”

It would seem as though, from “spiritual” standpoint that the leviathan (the devil) is intimately associated with making Hell to boil like a cauldron and Hell to serve as his anointing oil that might seem sweet, but only destroys.

Job 41:32, “He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.“

The first part of this verse is straightforward, but the word “shine” is the word אוֹר (‘ôr)^H215  again, so the leviathan (the devil) gives the appearance of having his pathway be a source of light and life, and in doing so it means that the light is influenced or perverted by him.

The second part of the verse is a bit more complex as the original Hebrew word for “[one] would think” is חָשַׁב (ḥāšaḇ)^H2803, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: count (23x), devise (22x), think (18x), imagine (9x), cunning (8x), reckon (7x), purpose (6x), esteem (6x), account (5x), impute (4x), forecast (2x), regard (2x), workman (2x), conceived (1x), miscellaneous (9x).

and the he original Hebrew word for “the deep” is תְּהוֹם (tᵊhôm)^H8415, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: deep (20x), depth (15x), deep places (1x). However, when we again look at the contexts where this word is found, we again see a direct correlation with “Hell” such as in Jonah 2:5, “The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul: the depth ^H8415 closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.”

But then we see this reference to the word “hoary”, which in the original Hebrew is שֵׂיבָה (śêḇâ)^H7872, translated variously as: old age (6x), gray hairs (6x), hoar head (3x), hoary head (2x), grayheaded (1x), hoary (1x). This word gives us an important clue. In Proverbs 16:31, “The hoary head ^H7872 [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.“

So then, could this verse be saying that the leviathan (the devil) gives the appearance of having his pathway be a source of light and life, leading “one” to think/imagine/reckon that this pathway is one of wisdom (being “hoary”)? But the believer knows that it is not, because it is not “in the way of righteousness“! The devil, “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”(1 John 2:22). The devil comes looking like Jesus, but is a liar and a deceiver.

Is not this that we are told in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.“

The “false Christ” offers only false hope, and he comes with a false gospel and the reward is only Hell.

Job 41:33, “Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.”

The first part of this verse is indeed very straightforward. And we sing in “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”…”On earth is not his equal.” The devil reigns supreme over this world. We should also remember what Jesus said in John 18:36, “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.“

The second part is quite ominous.

The original Hebrew word for “made” is עָשָׂה (ʿāśâ)^H6213, which has been translated variously as: do (1,333x), make (653x), wrought (52x), deal (52x), commit (49x), offer (49x), execute (48x), keep (48x), shew (43x), prepare (37x), work (29x), do so (21x), perform (18x), get (14x), dress (13x), maker (13x), maintain (7x), miscellaneous (154x).

The original Hebrew word for “made” is חַת (ḥaṯ)^H2844, which has been translated variously as: dread (1x), broken (1x), fear (1x), dismayed (1x).

So it would seem that we are reminded that the leviathan (the devil) has no equal on earth, and he does/executes/works without any dread. The devil is fearless in his destructive actions.

The Horror is…the devil does not fear anything, even the Wrath of God! This is the terrible nature of all of reprobate mankind (the children of pride). They neither love God, nor fear God’s Wrath! Therefore they will never sue God for mercy, and are just like the devil with whom they are allied, and are destined only for the same fate…destruction and an eternity in Hell.

Job 41:34, “He beholdeth all high [things]: he is a king over all the children of pride.“

The original Hebrew word for “beholdeth” is רָאָה (rā’â)^H7200, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: see (879x), look (104x), behold (83x), shew (68x), appear (66x), consider (22x), seer (12x), spy (6x), respect (5x), perceive (5x), provide (4x), regard (4x), enjoy (4x), lo (3x), foreseeth (2x), heed (2x), miscellaneous (74x).

The original Hebrew word for “high” is גָּבֹהַּ (gāḇōha)^H1364, which the King James translators have interpreted variously as: high (24x), higher (5x), lofty (2x), exceeding (1x), haughty (1x), height (1x), highest (1x), proud (1x), proudly (1x).

So we can interpret this verse as saying that the leviathan (the devil) perceives all high, lofty, haughty and proud [things], and is the king over all of the children of pride. Remembering what God says about all such in Psalm 10:4, “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after] God: God [is] not in all his thoughts.” Proverbs 16:18, “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.“

“His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.”

Conclusion

Job Chapter 42 makes clear that just as Job, the man, has no power to subdue the leviathan (a beastly creation of God), so too no man can subdue the devil (another beastly creation of God). The Good News is that God, through the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, not only can subdue the devil and his evil devices, but will destroy the devil forever on Judgment Day.

The “leviathan” as presented in Job, Chapter 41, is an allegorical account detailing the strength, power, wisdom, and appeal of the devil, which no one can ever even hope to overcome and/or resist, in and of himself or herself. And most frightening of all, the devil has all knowledge that is far above any man of God’s ways and means. The devil understands the parables/proverbs of God and their “spiritual” meanings.

We should be reminded of Daniel 8:23-25, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.“

James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.“

But the devil CANNOT obey!…he CANNOT love God…or anyone!!

Repentance, Redemption and Restoration

So the message to us is that Job saw that his piety, his faith, his respect of God could not save him.

Job was awakened to the reality that God Is The Creator, and that God created both the “behemoth” and the “leviathan” (stubborn prideful creatures picturing the devil) to serve God’s purposes…just as God actually created the devil, the adversary, for God’s purposes… and that only God will ultimately have the power to destroy the him on Judgment Day.

In Job 42:6, we read that Job repented when confronted with the reality of his inherent sin, along with recognizing the power of the adversary (the devil, the very one who brought upon Job all of his, and all of mankind’s, agonies).

Job learned that only God, as Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ, Job’s Redeemer), had the power to save him from his sins. The same is true for every human being! (Job 19:25, “For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:“)

Job Understood His Need for Redemption and Reconciliation.

Only the awakened sinner will realize his or her helpless estate, and that he or she is no match for the devil, let alone for the Almighty God, Who created all things, including all of mankind and the devil.

The final message is that everyone must repent of all sins and humbly seek God’s mercy, which is found only in the Person and Work of God’s Son, The Lord Jesus Christ. God decrees full restoration upon the repentant sinner so that those within the Elect Body of Christ can once again come into the presence of God…but to a MUCH better place than the Garden of Eden…they will be together with the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the New Heavens and New Earth.

Psalm 34:18, “The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” and Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.“

Dear reader, if there be ANY doubt in your mind as to the validity of this study concerning the “Leviathan” and its spiritual representation of the devil as being in all conformity with God’s Word, then please carefully ponder God’s statement concerning Judgment Day and the devil’s destruction for eternity: Isaiah 27:1, “¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.“

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