DrMikeBagwell.org

  • Contact
  • Calendar
  • Standing With the Bagwells
  • Bible Study Pages Archive
  • Recent Revival Meetings

UNUSUAL VERSES, THE BOOK OF JOB, WHAT AN ANIMAL, BEHEMOTH!

October 5, 2016 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Some say it’s merely a hippopotamus.

The animal described in Job 40:15-24.

I’m not absolutely positive about is identity, but it’s NOT a hippo!

In Greek “hippos” means “horse.” And “potamos” means “river.” Yes, when the ancients saw this giant animal, they called it a “river horse” because of its tendency to soak in the water. But folks, God discusses the horse later in Job, at length!

The Hebrew noun “behemoth” means “beast,” and is used of large animals in general.

But here in Job 40:15-24 the “behemoth” being considered is “specific!”

And God claims to be its Creator!

And God asks Job to “look” (to consider) this magnificent creature!

“He eateth grass as an ox.”

“His strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.” Strong lower body energy, remarkably muscular!

“He moveth his tail like a cedar.” This is not true of a hippopotamus, which virtually has no tail! Or an elephant either, another common candidate the scholars suggest.

But it would have been true of ancient (now extinct) animals loosely called “dinosaurs.” Mammoth tails, dangerous as well!

“His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.”

Such giants (dinosaurs) lived prior to the world-wide Flood, in Noah’s day.

And this “being” is so outstanding that Scripture claims: “He is the chief of the ways of God.” Job 40:19, where “chief” is Hebrew “reshiyth,” meaning “beginning” or “firstfruits” or “the very best!” (Recall that Satan, in Ezekiel 28:14, is called God’s “anointed Cherub!” God’s very “chief” angel?)

Then look, Job 40:19, the rest of the verse. For some reason God turns “combative!” Notice: “He that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.”

In other words: “Should God decide or find it necessary … the Almighty can take His Sword and conquer, eliminate this monstrous animal, this ultra-strong behemoth, for sure!”

I believe this animal (though very real, historically viable, understand this) is being used as a symbol. As a “type” of a rebellious (seeking to do harm) entity. Personally I think he is an emblem of the devil, of “the Satan” as revealed earlier in the Book of Job.

Plus this. The rest of the chapter has the “world” serving this “behemoth!” As Satan is the “god of this world,” in 2nd Corinthians 4:4. Here’s what I mean: “Surely the mountains bring him (behemoth) forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. The shady trees cover him (how nice) with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.”

And if so … God is covertly (indirectly, subliminally) saying to Job … THE MASTER OF REBELLION (SATAN) IS THE PERPETRATOR OF YOUR SUFFERING! HE IS REBELLIOUSLY (AND WRONGLY) ACCUSING YOU OF EVIL. BUT … I CAN (AND WILL) CONQUER HIM, JOB! YOUR VICTORY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. YOUR GOD HAS DEFENDED YOU! I AM PREPARING MY SWORD EVEN NOW!

And if I am anywhere near correct, this “behemoth” takes on fresh, new meaning!

The devil compared to an animal? Whoever heard of such? Simon Peter had. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 2nd Peter 5:8-9 (Don’t forget the “serpent” in the Garden of Eden, either.)

Wow!

Think about it.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

And God is not through discussing His animal world yet!

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Search

Let's study God's Word together! Each day you will find a new, freshly written lesson. You can see a long list of all the Daily Posts by clicking on our SITE MAP.

The "Standing with the Bagwells" Page continues each morning with a bit of personal news.

And don't forget that the Bible Study Archives page can point you to any one of dozens of Bible Expositions here on the Website.

Recent Posts

  • “HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER!”
  • ON THE PSALMS …
  • PSALM 11 … “FLEE AS A BIRD?”
  • INTERCESSORY PRAYER?
  • “LORD, IS IT I?”

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
Visit the links below to navigate around our website:

Links

  • Contact
  • Calendar
  • Standing With the Bagwells
  • Bible Study Pages Archive
  • Recent Revival Meetings

Copyright © 2025 · eleven40 Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in