Behemoth and Leviathan

God finally ‘shows up’ - He speaks, at the beginning of chapter 38

This morning, we pick up the book of Job in chapter 40, verse 6. Our text goes from .

Job - has been demanding an audience with God ...

Last week, in chapter 38, God finally speaks. Job is suffering - suffering immensely - He cries out to God for answers. Heaven has been silent. So-called friends have come to explain WHY he is suffering - that Job has sinned. He must have sinned. God has set up this universe to operate according to an order - you do good, you get blessed, you do wrong, you get suffering. That’s the way the world works, that’s the way it always works, that’s the way it MUST work - so Job OBVIOUSLY HAS SINNED.

Last week, we were in chapter 38, and it is there when God finally speaks. That’s a big, big deal. Job is suffering - suffering immensely - He cries out to God for answers. Heaven has been silent. So-called friends have come to explain WHY he is suffering - that Job has sinned. He must have sinned. God has set up this universe to operate according to an order - you do good, you get blessed, you do wrong, you get suffering. That’s the way the world works, that’s the way it always works, that’s the way it MUST work - so Job OBVIOUSLY HAS SINNED.

… but he hasn’t. He knows it. So he clings to God in faith. Clings in hope that the truth will come out. And he has waited … and called out to God and waited … and waited.

And … nothing. Nothing from heaven but a stony silence. Until, chapter 38 - FINALLY, God speaks … 38:1, “Then the LORD answered Job ...”. And He enters the scene exactly as He enters in our text this morning, chapter 40:6, “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind ...”.

This morning, we come to Round 2. A battle between Job and God - a battle of ideas.

When God finally speaks - comes in a whirlwind.

When God finally speaks - comes in a whirlwind. That’s surprising.

Pick up God’s Words at v. 14 of chapter 40.

He has been silent. When He finally starts to speak, wouldn’t you expect that, to a man in Job’s place - God would come as He did to Elijah, in a still, small, voice. But he doesn’t. Verse 6 of chapter 40, “He answered Job out of the whirlwind”. That’s the storm - that’s the chaos. The LORD answers Job out of chaos … and that’s a surprising way to answer.

40:4, “Behold, I am of ...

READ

1 A SURPRISING RESPONSE -

1 SURPRISING ANSWER -

Now, this is round 2 of the battle for ideas - an ‘epistemological battle’ between God and Job - . Pick it up in v. 15 - read to 41:11

Job is suffering. You know suffering.

Ask you a question this morning - think back to the days when you had big dreams - - dreams of where your life would go, what you would do, who you would be, how you would make your mark and reach for the stars ..... maybe it was as a child, maybe as a teenager -

Can you think back to the days when you had big dreams - - dreams of where your life would go, what you would do, who you would be, how you would make your mark and reach for the stars ..... maybe it was as a child, maybe as a teenager -

… for some of you, that was 50 years ago, for some of you, it was last summer … There was a time in your life when you dreamed ....

Job has been asking for an explanation of events, of his personal hurts - of his sufferings.

… for some of you, that was 50 years ago, for some of you, it was last summer … There was a time in your life when you dreamed ....

Ask you a question: “Are you where you thought you would be?” Some of you say, “Thankfully - no.” Things are so much better than they would have been, if I had got my way in life.

There is no suffering more painful than the suffering that seems to have no meaning - no purpose … it’s not FOR anything … it is just pain.

Ask you a question: “Are you where you thought you would be?” Some of you say, “Thankfully - no.” Things are so much better than they would have been, if I had got my way in life.

Others of you say, ‘Painfully - no. This is NOT where I dreamed I would be - and I am not the person I dreamed of being.”

God has come and asked him questions - starting in chapter 38 ...

“I was going to work hard, work smart, build an investment portfolio and retire to the Caribbean at 55”.

Job has been asking for a fight - 40:7, God says, “Dress

“I was going to work hard, work smart, build an investment portfolio and retire to the Caribbean at 55”.

“I was going to be a doctor, researching diseases and saving lives … but here I am, flunked out of school and working construction.”

Notice - this is not the first time He has used these exact words ...............

“I was going to be a doctor, researching diseases and saving lives … but here I am, flunked out of school and working construction.”

“I was going to raise the next generation of Christ-like, world-transforming leaders .... the kids fell in with the wrong crowd and now they are spiritually off the rails.”

Here’s the problem with Job - He has been so aware of his innocence. When the so-called, ‘friends’ come with their argument: “You are suffering because you’ve sinned … obviously you’ve sinned. That’s the way God set up this world. That’s the way He manages it ...

“I was going to raise the next generation of Christ-like, world-transforming leaders .... the kids fell in with the wrong crowd and now they are spiritually off the rails.”

For some of you - your life changed because your choices changed - you made decisions that changed the trajectory of your life - and that’s okay.

Job says ‘But I didn’t cause this suffering by my sin!’ That’s the truth. That’s God’s own verdict ...

For some of you - your life changed because your choices changed - you made decisions that changed the trajectory of your life - and that’s okay.

The problem with Job is that he defends himself so emphatically … he demands a hearing with God … he calls for a courtroom where he can make his case … he gets to the place where this MAN essential accuses GOD HIMSELF of acting unjustly - allowing this pain for no reason.

But for others of you - your life changed, not because YOU made decisions for YOURSELF … but because other people DID things TO YOU … Things that you didn’t ask for but had to adjust to - things that hurt,

In the play, “long Day’s Journey into Night”, one of the characters makes a powerful statement near the end of her life: “None of us can help the things life has done to us. They are done before you realize it and once they are done, they make you do other things, until at last everything comes between you and what you’d like to be, and you’ve lost your true self forever.”

In the play, “Long Day’s Journey into Night”, one of the characters makes a powerful statement near the end of her life: “None of us can help the things life has done to us. They are done before you realize it and once they are done, they make you do other things, until at last everything comes between you and what you’d like to be, and you’ve lost your true self forever.”

So now, God steps in.

That’s powerful. And ma

Our text, this morning, introduces us to two creatures. Chapter 40 and verse 15, “BEHEMOTH” and chapter 41, verse 1: “LEVIATHAN”.

That’s powerful. And makes a lot of sense to many of us. You can identify. Some of you are here this morning and your life is not where you dreamt it would be - not where you wanted to be … because things were done TO YOU - an abuse, a rape, an accident, a rip-off ... and you wish you knew WHY.

BEHEMOTH and LEVIATHAN - who are they? What are they? And what do they have to do with Job in his suffering? Do you find it strange, that in a 42 chapter book that is focused on Job and his trials, focused on the theme of innocent suffering … that almost 2 whole chapters are devoted to 2 animals - 2 animals that you’ve almost never heard of?!

You can identify. Some of you are here this morning and your life is not where you dreamt it would be - not where you wanted to be … because things were done TO YOU - an abuse, a rape, an accident, a rip-off ... and you wish you knew WHY.

“WHY ME?!” “WHY am I HERE?!” “WHY THIS PAIN?”

Leviathan shows up in a few other OT passages:

“WHY ME?!” “WHY am I HERE?!” “WHY THIS PAIN?”

You have flirted with despair - feeling as though you have life has been done to you - as if the cards of life were all predesigned to work against you. This is not the end that you wanted. And it’s not fair.

; ; also mention of him in

You have flirted with despair - feeling as though you have been dealt a deck of cards, all predesigned like a magician’s pack towards a certain fixed end? And it’s not the end that you wanted. And it’s not fair.

That’s how you feel.

So Behemoth and Leviathan - who are they?

That’s how you feel.

If that’s you - then know that you are not alone. You are right where Job is. This entire book 1 of just 66 God-Inspired books of Scripture - is the message of God specifically addressed to you.

4 explanations given:

1) A prehistoric creature - the creatures that became extinct at the time of the Flood. Tyrosaur and Brontosaurus - “The Day that Leviathan and Behemoth Died”, book.

If you have been with us on this journey through Job - you know what’s going on as we pick up the story in chapter 40. Job has been suffering to a depth of pain that we can only imagine. This is a real man. The New Testament points back to him as an example for us. He was a godly man - worshiped God to the point of almost seeming ridiculous.

Job is writing early and the folklore of the Flood would still be relatively fresh in memory

God blessed this righteous man .... richest person in his society.

There is a discussion in heaven between God and Satan. Job is held out as an example: “Have you seen my servant Job?”

2) Actual creatures that you would recognize today - 40-41 contains poetry and poetic exaggeration - but behind it is hippopotamus and crocodile .... David Clines takes this point of view.

Why would God make a crocodile? .... Shoes. Handbags.

Satan says, “I can take him down - I can prove that the only reason he worships you, the only reason he serves you - - is because of the stuff he gets from you.”

You’ve seen those nature shows - filming the animals in their natural habitat - Africa … the antelope family, gathered at the water’s edge for a water-break. The whole family is there, all peacefully lapping up the life-giving water. It’s a beautiful scene … breathtaking nature and exotic animals that we don’t get to see over here … but you know something is coming. You know that this is too peaceful to last - you know it because you know how those tv people write their stories - and you know it by how the background music is building, and building, ominous music, tension is rising ..... you just know something is coming ...

God says, “Have at it. You must spare his life -

God says, “Have at it. You can take everything he has - but you CANNOT TOUCH him.” And that’s exactly what the Satan does. Finances - business empire ... doesn’t work. Job stands firm in worship and trust.

Satan won’t admit defeat. He goes back to God and says, “People will hand over everything they have, if it means saving their skin. Let me STRIKE the guy - then he will curse you.” You know the story. God says, “Do it. You may hurt him .... just spare his life.” And again, that’s exactly what the devil does.

The greatest man in his day is left - businesses fold, bankrupt - no retirement, homeless … and every single one of his 10 dearly loved children are dead .... now his body is wasting away under the brutal effects of a disease that has him one step away from death.

In chapter 38, God has finally spoken. And he enters in exactly the same way as he enters here.

… and, sure enough … out of the water, springs the open mouth of a crocodile -

In chapter 38, God has finally spoken. And he enters in exactly the same way as he enters here. 38:3 is exactly the same as 40:7, “Dress for action like a man; I will question you and you make it known to me.”

And all the while - the heavens are silent. God says not a word.

In chapter 38, God has finally spoken. And he enters in exactly the same way as he enters here. 38:3 is exactly the same as 40:7, “Dress for action like a man; I will question you and you make it known to me.”

40:4, “Behold, I am of ...

It’s the language of the wrestling ring - Get your fighting gear on and let’s go. This is round 2 of the battle between God and Job - . Pick it up in v. 15 - read to 41:11

… SWAMP PEOPLE … Bayou in Louisiana … people who make a living

‘Dress for action’ - it’s the language of the wrestling ring - Job has been asking for a fight - a court case - and God says, ‘Get your fighting gear on and let’s go. This is round 2 of the battle between God and Job .

between God and Job - . Pick it up in v. 15 - read to 41:11

Now, this is round 2 of the battle for ideas - an ‘epistemological battle’ between God and Job - . Pick it up in v. 15 - read to 41:11

What does this have to do with Job?

This righteous man has been asking God to explain - the tragedies that have obliterated the life he had .... his personal hurts - his sufferings. “WHY GOD? PLEASE - WHY?!” And you can understand. There is no suffering more painful than the suffering that seems to have no meaning - no purpose … it’s not FOR anything … it is just pain. So why does God have to come across as so harsh to a simple question?

Job is suffering. You know suffering.

What ever could have possessed God to make a crocodile.

God has come and asked him questions - starting in chapter 38 ...

Look at v. 8 of chapter 40, “Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?”

This righteous man has been asking for an explanation of events, of his personal hurts - of his sufferings. And you can understand. There is no suffering more painful than the suffering that seems to have no meaning - no purpose … it’s not FOR anything … it is just pain.

.... No idea. No idea.

Job has been asking for an explanation of events, of his personal hurts - of his sufferings.

This righteous man has been asking for an explanation of events, of his personal hurts - of his sufferings. And you can understand. There is no suffering more painful than the suffering that seems to have no meaning - no purpose … it’s not FOR anything … it is just pain.

There is no suffering more painful than the suffering that seems to have no meaning - no purpose … it’s not FOR anything … it is just pain.

… except that it was for His own glory.

There is no suffering more painful than the suffering that seems to have no meaning - no purpose … it’s not FOR anything … it is just pain.

Here’s the problem with Job - He has been so aware of his innocence. When the so-called, ‘friends’ come with their argument: “You are suffering because you’ve sinned … obviously you’ve sinned. That’s the way God set up this world. That’s the way He manages it ...

God has come and asked him questions - starting in chapter 38 ...

And pain is like that. PAIN is like that

God has come and asked him questions - starting in chapter 38 ...

Job has been asking for a fight - 40:7, God says, “Dress

CS Lewis: We ask questions for which there are no answers. Questions like, “How many miles are there in an hour?”

Here’s the problem with Job - He has been so aware of his innocence. When the so-called, ‘friends’ come with their argument: “You are suffering because you’ve sinned … obviously you’ve sinned. That’s the way God set up this world. That’s the way He manages it ...

Notice - this is not the first time He has used these exact words ...............

We ask questions like that about pain and suffering.

Here’s the problem with Job - He has been so aware of his innocence. When the so-called, ‘friends’ come with their argument: “You are suffering because you’ve sinned … obviously you’ve sinned. That’s the way God set up this world. That’s the way He manages it ...

Why would God make a crocodile? Pain is like that - I don’t know why God sends pain into the lives of some of His dearest saints.

Here’s the problem with Job - He has been so aware of his innocence. When the so-called, ‘friends’ come with their argument: “You are suffering because you’ve sinned … obviously you’ve sinned. That’s the way God set up this world. That’s the way He manages it ...

Job says ‘But I didn’t cause this suffering by my sin!’ That’s the truth. That’s God’s own verdict ...

… but I know this: It’s not important that I know why. What’s important is that God does - and that He does it for His own glory.

The problem with Job is that he defends himself so emphatically … he demands a hearing with God … he calls for a courtroom where he can make his case … he gets to the place where this MAN essential accuses GOD HIMSELF of acting unjustly - allowing this pain for no reason.

3) Answer comes from the ANE - Mesopotamia - associations with creatures like hippo and croc in ancient religions of Egypt, etc - association between these creatures and diving beings … interpretation that what’s going on here is an association with the supernatural and, maybe, Satan himself.

The problem with Job is that he defends himself so emphatically … he demands a hearing with God … he calls for a courtroom where he can make his case … he gets to the place where Job accuses God of not treating him fairly. This MAN accuses GOD HIMSELF of acting unjustly - of allowing this pain for no reason.

Job lived in that world - so he would have associations with such ideas.

So now, God steps in.

So now, God steps in. And this is round two.

There is a supernatural battle that we can’t see or hear … but it spills over into the events of our day to day lives.

______________________________________________________

That does bring up a good question, when we get to this point of the book: “Where is Satan?” The last we heard from him is in chapter 2. What happened to him since then? Isn’t it appropriate that he makes one last appearance in this book in the closing chapters … so he is here: he is Leviathan - this monster from the deep.

BEHEMOTH AND LEVIATHAN

2 BEHEMOTH AND LEVIATHAN

In our text, this morning, God introduces us to two creatures. One is named in Chapter 40 and verse 15, “Behold, BEHEMOTH” - and the second one is named in chapter 41, verse 1: “Can you draw out Leviathan.” “LEVIATHAN”. These two creatures take up almost the whole space of chapters 40 and 41.

The LXX - translated “Leviathan” as a monster - that great dragon, of . This is Satan.

So what’s God’s strategy in round two?

In our text, this morning, God introduces us to two creatures. One is named in Chapter 40 and verse 15, “Behold, BEHEMOTH” - and the second one is named in chapter 41, verse 1: “Can you draw out Leviathan.” “LEVIATHAN”. These two creatures take up almost the whole space of chapters 40 and 41.

BEHEMOTH and LEVIATHAN - who are they? What are they? And what do they have to do with Job in his suffering? Do you find it strange, that in a 42 chapter book that is focused on Job and his trials, focused on the theme of innocent suffering … that almost 2 whole chapters are devoted to 2 animals - 2 animals that you’ve almost never heard of?!

Chron. of Narnia - “Voyage of the DT” - beside the dark island, trying to rescue the 7 lost lords of Narnia, Edmund imagines this dark sea creature from the deep - and it makes an appearance.

BEHEMOTH and LEVIATHAN - who are they? What are they? And what do they have to do with Job in his suffering? Do you find it strange, that in a 42 chapter book that is focused on Job and his trials, focused on the theme of innocent suffering … that almost 2 whole chapters are devoted to 2 animals - 2 animals that you’ve almost never heard of?!

God has already shut Job’s mouth - brought him to silence. When He first speaks, in chapters 38-39, He asks Job a series of questions - 60 or 65 questions about the universe and the constellations and the reigning in of the seas …

Pirates of the Caribbean .... ‘The Kraken(Sp?)’ - sea monster

God has already shut Job’s mouth - brought him to silence. When He first speaks, in chapters 38-39, He asks Job a series of questions - 60 or 65 questions about the universe and the constellations and the reigning in of the seas …

… about the animals of the world, like ostriches and fish.

Job is using the images of his day to point to the spiritual enemy that we face in this world. NT - “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but ....”

About how to manage creation - the big things like sending lightning and rain … or the little things - - like how a stupid ostrich can leave her eggs on the ground where they can be trampled on - - but how, in some way - there is always a new generation of ostriches. Can you do any of this Job? How do you run a universe. And Job has been able to answer … not a single question.

4) God Himself. Be careful - nuanced. Not saying that Lev. is God. Leviathan is an evil creature - but that this evil creature that’s depicted … 41:1, “Can you draw out L with a fishhook ....”.

About how to manage creation - the big things like sending lightning and rain … or the little things - - like how a stupid ostrich can leave her eggs on the ground where they can be trampled on - - but how, in some way - there is always a new generation of ostriches. Can you do any of this Job? How do you run a universe. And Job has been able to answer … not a single question.

Would you even try?

He’s been reduced to silence. But he hasn’t been reduced … enough.

So God comes to him again. Job needs to understand something about God’s justice. And God speaks.

Would you make him a little pet? Verse 5:

So God comes to him again. Job needs to understand something about God’s justice. And God speaks.

You can domesticate these animals - - but can you domesticate Leviathan? Not you can’t. And that’s the point

Who, or what is Behemoth. Behemoth is a land creature

… can you domesticate God? That’s the question. That’s the point. You cannot domesticate God. You can’t put Him in a box and say, ‘Aha - - I get Him. I understand all of His ways

Who, or what is Behemoth. Behemoth is a land creature. Behemoth is in the plural - it literally means beast - but being plural intensifies the word - almost like saying, “The BEASTIEST BEAST OF ALL BEASTS”.

My ways are not your ways. My thoughts are not your thoughts.

Now drop down to 41:1 and we have LEVIATHAN - a sea creature. In the Septuagint - the Greek translation of the Old Testament - Leviathan is translated as a dragon.

Leviathan shows up in a few other OT passages:

Oh the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God …

; ; also mention of him in

Leviathan shows up in a few other OT passages: ; ; also mention of him in

Its a quotation from - quoting this very passage at the end of Job.

; ; also mention of him in

So Behemoth and Leviathan - who are they?

Why did God create a crocodile?

4 explanations given:

So Behemoth and Leviathan - who are they?

1) A prehistoric creature - the creatures that became extinct at the time of the Flood. Tyrosaur and Brontosaurus - creatures that you can see bones of in museums today.

4 explanations given. Let’s look at each of them.

I don’t know. But it’s not important that I don’t understand. What’s important is that HE UNDERSTANDS - - and that I trust Him.

1) A prehistoric creature - the creatures that became extinct at the time of the Flood. Leviathan would be - Tyrosaur and Behemoth would be Brontosaurus - creatures that you can see bones of in museums today.

Job is writing early and the stories of the Flood would still be relatively fresh in memory. That’s one explanation. Still - what does this have to do with Job? We’ll get there … but there is a second explanation ....

And though I

2) Actual creatures that you would recognize today - 40-41 contains poetry and poetic exaggeration - v. 17 of chapter 40: “He makes his tail stiff like a cedar .... v. 18, His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron.’ That’s exaggeration no matter what creature you are talking about … but behind it is hippopotamus and crocodile .... several commentators - good ones take this view.

Job is writing early and the stories of the Flood would still be relatively fresh in memory. That’s one explanation. Still - what does this have to do with Job? We’ll get there … but there is a second explanation ....

I want to try something with you, right now. I want us all to think of one of the greatest people you know - maybe that person is a public figure - a famous person from history … maybe (more likely) it’s someone that you know. You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them up close

.... Now think about this person’s life, in detail.

Why would God make a crocodile? .... Shoes. Handbags.

2) Second interpretation. Answer comes from the world of the ANE - Mesopotamia - Ugaritic civilization - - similar time to Job. There was an association of these creatures with the demonic - the forces of evil. The god of death lurked in marshlands, like Leviathan in our text. This interpretation says that what’s going on here is an association with the supernatural forces of darkness - - - maybe, Satan himself.

Job lived in that world - so he would have associations with such ideas.

Think of the person’s character - how that character was formed through the free choices that he or she made over the course of a lifetime.Think about the person’s moral convictions - the principles that he or she lived by.Think about the culture and the family that she was born into ...Think about the person’s relationships - how those relationships shapedThink of the great triumphs of his or her life - the sacrifices made … perserverance ....

You’ve seen those nature shows - filming the animals in their natural habitat - Africa … the antelope family, gathered at the water’s edge for a water-break. The whole family is there, all peacefully lapping up the life-giving water. It’s a beautiful scene … breathtaking nature and exotic animals that we don’t get to see over here … but you know something is coming. You know that this is too peaceful to last - you know it because you know how those tv people write their stories - and you know it by how the background music is building, and building, ominous music, tension is rising ..... you just know something is coming ...

… and, sure enough … out of the water, springs the open mouth of a crocodile - snaps his teeth around the baby antelope … the baby is struggling to get free and all of us are rooting for the antelope - -

NOW - try to subtract from that person’s life - ALL OF THE SUFFERING … suffering that shaped the culture and the family he or she was born into … slavery? Injustice? Abuse? Extreme Poverty? Loss of a family member .... suffering he or she fought against throughout life.

Question: Whatever happened to Satan? We met up with him at the beginning of the book - he’s disappeared ever since then - but we know he’s been very active. Job’s suffering is because of the freedom God gave to Satan to attack this righteous man.

… SWAMP PEOPLE … Bayou in Louisiana … people who make a living hunting alligators - over and over … trap is set ...

This is so relevant to us: There is a supernatural battle that we can’t see or hear … but it spills over into the events of our day to day lives.

..... Take away every ounce of suffering from that life. And what are you left with?

What does this have to do with Job?

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and the powers ....

Does that life, with suffering eliminated, even resemble the person you so admire and look up to - the life that’s impacted you so powerfully? Would it even be the same person?

One of the answers to the question of pain and trials is Satan. Not that Satan is equal with God - He’s not - but we are caught up in a cosmic battle that you can’t see with your eyes - but a battle that spills over into this world, into your personal lives.

Do you see what I’m getting at, here? Job has suffered. He has suffered innocently. He has suffered to a degree that we can only imagine … and it’s hard to make sense of the suffering sometimes. The suffering that

What ever could have possessed God to make a crocodile.

But without the possibility of suffering, almost every great, true story in history, would be gone. No one would ever have made a heroic sacrifice for anyone else. No great moments of forgiveness and reconciliation .... no chance to stand up for justice or the oppressed … no compassion (because there would be nothing to be compassionate about); no courage (because there would be no dangerous situations needing courage); THERE WOULD BE NO OPPORTUNITY TO BE A HERO. .... no such thing as ‘laying down your life for a friend”

That does bring up a good question, when we get to this point of the book: “Where is Satan?” The last we heard from him is in chapter 2. What happened to him since then? Wouldn’t you expect that he makes one last appearance in this book in the closing chapters … Wouldn’t you expect that God would come to Job now and explain the situation - that God would come and say,

.... No idea. No idea.

… except that it was for His own glory.

In fact, how would you know love? Think about it - - God is God - He can do as He pleases - - He could miraculously prevent my actions from ever causing you pain. With His omnipotent power - He could keep you from ever saying anything to hurt me. But if all you EVER said to me sounded good and kind … if no matter how I had been touched before, it always felt good and kind -- then how would I ever understand that you loved me?

“Job, here’s the reason for your trial. There’s a devil. There’s a Satan - and his great goal is to destroy the work of God - to destroy you ....he hates you; he wants to get in the way of my care for you - my blessing on you. Here he is, Job”.

And pain is like that. SUFFERING is like that

So many people take for granted that a world without suffering would necessarily be a more desirable world to live in. But is it really so obvious?

So he is here: he is Leviathan - this monster from the deep. The LXX - translated “Leviathan” as a monster - that great red dragon, of . Same word that’s used here. There’s an association between this sea creature and this dragon that is a reference to Satan.

Many of the greatest actions and affections - the heroic acts, the sacrificial love - - - the things we celebrate most of all … they can only happen in response to some kind of suffering and injustice. And if there was no suffering in this world - Hollywood would die… there would be no great movies, no great novels

CS Lewis: We ask questions for which there are no answers. Questions like, “How many miles are there in an hour?”

The LXX - translated “Leviathan” as a monster - that great red dragon, of . Same word that’s used here. There’s an association between this sea creature and this dragon that is a reference to Satan.

.... You can’t have the Lord of the Rings, without Sauron.

We ask questions like that about pain and suffering.

Remember in the Chronicles of Narnia - “Voyage of the DT” - beside the dark island, trying to rescue the 7 lost lords of Narnia, Edmund’s fear comes to life. He imagines a dark sea creature and this monster from the deep - and it comes to life and attacks the Dawn Treader. Almost destroys the ship and kills everyone on board.

.... You can’t have Star Wars, without the Darth Vader and the Empire.

Why would God make a crocodile? I don’t know why? If God had never made a single crocodile - my life would go on just fine, thank you very much.

Pirates of the Caribbean .... There is a sea monster - called ‘The Kraken’ - sea monster that is the personification of evil.

Pain is like that - I don’t know why God sends pain and heartache into the lives of some of His dearest saints.

.... You can’t have the Avengers without the bad guys from outer space.

So God is using the images of Job’s day - to point us to the spiritual enemy that we face in this world. NT - “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places ....”. And He is saying that - “There are evil, powerful forces out there - but they are UNDER MY CONTROL.” I don’t think this is the best interpretation -

… but I know this: It’s not important that I know why. What’s important is that God does - and that He does it for His own glory.

There’s much to be said for this view.

It’s easy to carry a vague wish that this was a better creation … but what’s the alternative? Why does God allow such pain in this life? .... I don’t know.

3) Third interpretation. Answer comes from the ANE - Mesopotamia - Ugaritic civilization - - associations with creatures like hippo and croc in ancient religions of Egypt, etc - association between these creatures and diving beings - beings who are the God of death and the like. This interpretation says that what’s going on here is an association with the supernatural and, maybe, Satan himself.

.... but He does. That’s what He is saying in Job.

Job is using the images of his day to point to the spiritual enemy that we face in this world. NT - “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but ....”

One day, God will bring the suffering of this world to an end. But on that day, the celebration will NOT be that there was never a chance of anything bad happening to anybody. NO - the celebration will be GREATER than that. It will be a celebration that the possibility of evil has been triumphed OVER, the EVIL has been forever defeated by the suffering of Jesus Christ.

4) Fourth interpretation probably has the most going for it. Not perfect - but seems the most likely. This interpretation is that these are Actual creatures that you would recognize today. When you read chapters 40-41, you see that they are filled with poetry and poetic exaggeration - v. 17 of chapter 40: “He makes his tail stiff like a cedar .... v. 18, His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron.’ That’s exaggeration no matter what creature you are talking about … but behind it is hippopotamus and crocodile .... several commentators - good ones take this view.

Job lived in that world - so he would have associations with such ideas.

Would you even try?

Question: Whatever happened to Satan? We met up with him at the beginning of the book - he’s disappeared ever since then - but we know he’s been very active. Job’s suffering

This is so relevant to us: There is a supernatural battle that we can’t see or hear … but it spills over into the events of our day to day lives.

Would you make him a little pet? Verse 5: “Will you play with him as with a bird, or will you put him on a leash for your girls?”

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and the powers ....

Here’s a puppy - - you cuddle with and train, and teach tricks and take on walks — Here’s your pet.

One of the answers to the question of pain and trials is Satan. Not that Satan is equal with God - He’s not - but we are caught up in a cosmic battle that you can’t see with your eyes - but a battle that spills over into this world, into your personal lives.

You can domesticate these animals - - but can you domesticate Leviathan? Not you can’t. And that’s the point. You can’t tame these creatures God made - so how can you ever expect to domesticate God? That’s the question. That’s the point. And the answer is ‘You Can’t’ - Of course you can’t - You cannot domesticate God. You can’t put Him in a box and say, ‘Aha - - I get Him. I understand all of His ways. Everything He does makes sense to me! I can see the end from the beginning - so now I trust Him.”

That does bring up a good question, when we get to this point of the book: “Where is Satan?” The last we heard from him is in chapter 2. What happened to him since then? Wouldn’t you expect that he makes one last appearance in this book in the closing chapters … Wouldn’t you expect that God would come to Job now and explain the situation - that God would come and say,

… can you domesticate God? That’s the question. That’s the point. And the answer is ‘NO’ - - Of course not - You cannot domesticate God. You can’t put Him in a box and say, ‘Aha - - I get Him. I understand all of His ways. I can see the end from the beginning - and how

“Job, here’s the reason for your trial. There’s a devil. There’s a Satan - and his great goal is to destroy the work of God - to destroy you ....he hates you; he wants to get in the way of my care for you - my blessing on you. Here he is, Job”.

Well, the world is NOT neat and tidy … life gets messy. In the valley of the shadow of death - you cry out to God for an explanation

You cry out to God: “Explain Yourself”. And God says, ‘I am NOT a tame Pet that you can tell to ‘sit’ - or ‘explain yourself’. That’s true - - not sure that I buy that interpretation HERE - but it is so true.

so he is here: he is Leviathan - this monster from the deep.

4) Fourth interpretation probably has the most going for it. Not perfect - but seems the most likely. This interpretation is that these are Actual creatures that you would recognize today. When you read chapters 40-41, you see that they are filled with poetry and poetic exaggeration - v. 17 of chapter 40: “He makes his tail stiff like a cedar .... v. 18, His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron.’ That’s exaggeration no matter what creature you are talking about … but behind it is hippopotamus and crocodile .... several commentators - good ones take this view.

The LXX - translated “Leviathan” as a monster - that great red dragon, of . Same word that’s used here. There’s an association between this sea creature and this dragon that is a reference to Satan.

Along the same lines, Leviathan is a crocodile.

Chron. of Narnia - “Voyage of the DT” - beside the dark island, trying to rescue the 7 lost lords of Narnia, Edmund imagines this dark sea creature and this monster from the deep - and it makes an appearance.

41:14, “Who can open the doors of his face? Around his teeth is terror. (15) His back is made up of rows of shields, shut up closely as with a seal. (16) One is so near to another that no air can come between them. (17) They are joined one to another; they clasp each other and cannot be separated.”

Pirates of the Caribbean .... There is a sea monster - called ‘The Kraken(Sp?)’ - sea monster that is the personification of evil.

The teeth … the armored back that looks like shields - that does sound like a crocodile, doesn’t it?

So God is using the images of Job’s day -

There’s much to be said for this view.

Let’s go with that one for now. Let’s ask the question:

So God comes to you - you are in the grip of enormous pain - the worst suffering you have ever known in your life. God comes to you and says - “Have you ever thought about the hippopotamus?” And you want to say .... “WHAT?!” “What does a hippo OR a crocodile have to do with anything?!”

Let’s ask the question: Why would God make a hippopotamus? They are one of the most dangerous land animals in the world. Not the majestic lion, not the streamlined cheetah … but the hippopotamus - kills 3000 people every year. Have you ever looked at a hippo up close?

Why would God make a hippopotamus? They are one of the most dangerous land animals in the world. Not the majestic lion, not the streamlined cheetah … but the hippopotamus - kills 3000 people every year. Have you ever looked at a hippo up close?

Job is using the images of his day to point to the spiritual enemy that we face in this world. NT - “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but ....”

4) Fourth explanation. God Himself. Be careful - nuanced. Not saying that Lev. is God. Leviathan is an evil creature - but that this evil creature that’s depicted … 41:1, “Can you draw out L with a fishhook ....”?

It looks like something a committee would make.

It’s all out of proportion - bulbous legs, short, ridiculous little tail … and the massive head. .... Just WHY?!

Would you even try?

Would you make him a little pet? Verse 5: “Will you play with him as with a bird, or will you put him on a leash for your girls?”

Why would God make a CROCODILE? .... Handbags. Cowboy boots?

Here’s a puppy - - you cuddle with

You’ve seen those nature shows - filming the animals in their natural habitat - Africa … the antelope family, gathered at the water’s edge for a water-break. The whole family is there, all peacefully lapping up the life-giving water. It’s a beautiful scene … breathtaking nature and exotic animals that we don’t get to see over here … but you know something is coming. You know that this is too peaceful to last - you know it because you know how those tv people write their stories - and you know it by how the background music is building, and building, ominous music, tension is rising ..... you just know something is coming ...

… and, sure enough … out of the water, springs the wide open mouth of a crocodile - snaps his teeth around the baby antelope … the baby is struggling to get free and all of us are rooting for the antelope - - GET FREE! GET FREE!

You can domesticate these animals - - but can you domesticate Leviathan? Not you can’t. And that’s the point

… can you domesticate God? That’s the question. That’s the point. And the answer is ‘NO’ - - Of course not - You cannot domesticate God. You can’t put Him in a box and say, ‘Aha - - I get Him. I understand all of His ways. I can see the end from the beginning - and how

Some of you are animal lovers - - you’ve given money to take care of cats and dogs … maybe you’ve donated to some kind of fund to save the whales.

Pretty sure none of you have given money to save the crocodiles!

Well, the world is NOT neat and tidy … life gets messy. In the valley of the shadow of death - you cry out to God for an explanation

… SWAMP PEOPLE … Bayou in Louisiana … people who make a living hunting alligators - over and over … trap is set … pull the rope -

You cry out to God for an explanation. And God says, ‘do you think that you c

My ways are not your ways. My thoughts are not your thoughts.

What does this have to do with Job? What does this have to do with pain?

What ever could have possessed God to make a crocodile.

Oh the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God … his ways are past finding out.”

You ask - What ever could have possessed God to make a crocodile.

.... And the answer is: “I have No idea. No idea.”

Its a quotation from - quoting this very passage at the end of Job.

… except that it was for His own glory.

Why did God create a crocodile? Why B and L?

And pain is like that. SUFFERING is like that. Why does God send pain?

I don’t know. But it’s not important that I don’t understand. What’s important is that HE UNDERSTANDS - - and that I trust Him.

And though I

.. I don’t know why the righteous suffer.

I don’t know why the cancer. I don’t know why He took your loved one so early - before their time.

I want to try something with you, right now. I want us all to think of one of the greatest people you know - maybe that person is a public figure - a famous person from history … maybe (more likely) it’s someone that you know. You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them up close

I don’t know why He allowed the war that killed millions and sent your family fleeing in terror from their homes.

.... Now think about this person’s life, in detail.

Think of the person’s character - how that character was formed through the free choices that he or she made over the course of a lifetime.Think about the person’s moral convictions - the principles that he or she lived by.Think about the culture and the family that she was born into ...Think about the person’s relationships - how those relationships shapedThink of the great triumphs of his or her life - the sacrifices made … perserverance ....

I don’t know why He allowed you to be born into THAT family, with that dad, or parents who couldn’t get along.

NOW - try to subtract from that person’s life - ALL OF THE SUFFERING … suffering that shaped the culture and the family he or she was born into … slavery? Injustice? Abuse? Extreme Poverty? Loss of a family member .... suffering he or she fought against throughout life.

I. DON’T. KNOW.