1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.
6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.
15 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.
17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.
20 Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.
21 He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.
22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.
23 Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.
24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
The Book of Job is a well-known and often studied book in the KJV Holy Bible. It tells the story of a man named Job, who was a righteous and wealthy man, but was tested by God through a series of trials and sufferings. Job's faith and steadfastness in the face of these trials have been a source of inspiration for many believers, and the book also raises questions about the nature of suffering and God's role in it.
Chapter 40 of the Book of Job continues the conversation between Job and God that began in chapter 38. In this chapter, God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind and challenges him to answer a series of questions. The main themes of this chapter include God's power and sovereignty, Job's humility and submission, and the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and understanding.
As God begins to speak to Job, He first reminds Job of His immense power and sovereignty. He asks Job, "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it" (Job 40:2). This question highlights the foolishness of trying to argue with or correct God. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate authority and that His ways are beyond human understanding.
God then goes on to ask Job a series of questions that emphasize His power and might. He asks Job if he can "pull down the proud" or "look on every one that is proud and bring him low" (Job 40:11). These questions serve to remind Job of God's ability to humble the proud and bring justice to the wicked. They also highlight the difference between God's power and human power, showing that God's power is far greater and more just.
Overall, this section of the chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and the fact that He is in control of all things. It is a reminder to Job (and to readers) that God's ways are higher than our ways and that we must trust in His power and wisdom.
Throughout the book of Job, we see Job struggling with his suffering and questioning God's justice. However, in this chapter, we see a shift in Job's attitude as he begins to understand his place before God. He responds to God's questions by saying, "Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth" (Job 40:4). This statement shows Job's humility and submission before God.
Job's response is a recognition of his own limitations and a realization that he cannot fully understand God's ways. It also shows his willingness to trust in God's wisdom and authority. This is a significant change from earlier in the book when Job was questioning and even challenging God's actions. Now, Job understands that he must submit to God and trust in His plans, even if he cannot fully understand them.
This section of the chapter highlights the importance of humility and submission in our relationship with God. It shows that we must recognize our own limitations and trust in God's perfect understanding and sovereignty.
The final section of chapter 40 further emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and understanding. God asks Job if he can "draw out leviathan with a hook" or "put a hook into his nose" (Job 40:25). These questions refer to a powerful sea creature that was considered to be untamable and impossible for humans to control. This imagery serves to illustrate the vastness of God's creation and the fact that there are things beyond human understanding and control.
God's questions also highlight the fact that He is the one who created and controls these creatures. It is a reminder that God's wisdom and understanding are far beyond our own and that we must trust in His plans and purposes, even when we cannot fully comprehend them.
This section also serves as a contrast to Job's earlier complaints about his suffering. Job had questioned God's justice, but now he is reminded of God's power and wisdom in the creation and control of the leviathan. This serves to humble Job and remind him that he cannot fully understand God's ways.
Chapter 40 of the Book of Job is a pivotal chapter in the book, as it marks a turning point in Job's attitude and understanding. Through God's questions and reminders of His power and wisdom, Job is humbled and brought to a place of submission and trust in God. This chapter also serves as a reminder to readers of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even in the face of suffering and trials.
The main themes of this chapter - God's power and sovereignty, Job's humility and submission, and the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and understanding - are significant not only in the context of the book of Job but also in our own lives as believers. They remind us that God is in control, and we must trust in His plans and purposes, even when we cannot fully understand them. They also highlight the importance of humility and submission before God, as we recognize our own limitations and trust in His perfect wisdom and understanding.
Overall, chapter 40 of the Book of Job serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness, and the importance of trusting in Him in all circumstances.
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