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!