19 It ranks first among the works of God, yet its Maker can approach it with his sword.
19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.
19 "He is the first of the works
19 Most magnificent of all my creatures, but I still lead him around like a lamb!
19 He is the first of the ways of God; Only He who made him can bring near His sword.
19 It is a prime example of God's handiwork, and only its Creator can threaten it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 40:19
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.