What happensPermalink
God calls Job a “faultfinder” and asks whether he will contend with the Almighty. Job puts his hand over his mouth and promises silence. God then challenges Job again: will he condemn God in order to justify himself? If Job can clothe himself with majesty, humble the proud, crush the wicked, and save himself, then God will acknowledge him. God then describes Behemoth’s immense strength and asks whether Job can capture or control him.
Why it mattersPermalink
Job’s silence is proper humility before God, but God presses deeper. Job has questioned God’s justice, so God asks whether Job can administer justice himself. The issue is not whether Job may lament, but whether he can condemn God’s rule without possessing God’s wisdom or power. Behemoth embodies a creation too strong for human mastery but known and governed by God.
Key versePermalink
Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.