15 See now the behemoth, which I made with thee: he eateth grass as an ox. 16 Behold now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the muscles of his belly. 17 He bendeth his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are woven together. 18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his members are like bars of iron. 19 He is the chief of God's ways: he that made him gave him his sword. 20 For the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. 21 He lieth under lotus-bushes, in the covert of the reed and fen: 22 Lotus-bushes cover him with their shade; the willows of the brook surround him. 23 Lo, the river overfloweth—he startleth not: he is confident though a Jordan break forth against his mouth. 24 Shall he be taken in front? will they pierce through [his] nose in the trap?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 40:15-24
Commentary on Job 40:15-24
(Read Job 40:15-24)
God, for the further proving of his own power, describes two vast animals, far exceeding man in bulk and strength. Behemoth signifies beasts. Most understand it of an animal well known in Egypt, called the river-horse, or hippopotamus. This vast animal is noticed as an argument to humble ourselves before the great God; for he created this vast animal, which is so fearfully and wonderfully made. Whatever strength this or any other creature has, it is derived from God. He that made the soul of man, knows all the ways to it, and can make the sword of justice, his wrath, to approach and touch it. Every godly man has spiritual weapons, the whole armour of God, to resist, yea, to overcome the tempter, that his never-dying soul may be safe, whatever becomes of his frail flesh and mortal body.