Job 40

God says that Job must answer him

1The Lord said to Job,

Job replies to God

2‘Do you still want to argue with me, the Almighty God? You say that I have not been fair. Now you must explain what you mean.’

3Then Job answered the Lord. This is what he said:

4‘I am only a foolish man. I cannot answer your questions. I cover my mouth with my hand so that I say nothing.

God asks Job some final questions

5I have already spoken too many times. I will say no more.’

6Then the Lord spoke to Job from inside the storm. This is what he said:

7‘Prepare yourself for a difficult job! I will ask you some more questions and you must answer them.

8Do you say that I am not a fair judge? Do you want to show that I am guilty, not you? Then you could say that you are right.

9Do you have the same power to do great things as I have? Can you speak with a voice as loud as thunder? I can!

10If you think that you can do all this, show how great you are! Show everyone your power and your glory!

11Show everyone your great anger! Look at all the people who like to boast and bring them down low!

12Yes, cause all the proud people to be humble. Knock down wicked people to the ground.

13Bury them all together in the dust of the ground. Cover their faces and put them in their graves.

God made the sea monsters called Behemoth

14If you can do these things, Job, I will praise you. I will agree that you have the power to save yourself.

15Listen! I created the monsters called Behemoth. I made you and I made them too. They eat grass, as cows do.

16But look at the strength of their legs and their body!

17Their tails are like the branches of a cedar tree. Their legs are thick and very strong.

18Their bones are like sticks made of bronze. Their legs are as strong as iron.

19These monsters are some of the greatest animals that I have made. But I who made them can take my sword and go near to them.

20They eat the grass that grows on the hills. That is where the wild animals play.

21They lie down under the thorn trees. They hide among the reeds at the edge of the water.

22They rest in the shadow of the thorn trees, and among the willow trees beside the water.

23Even when the river is deep and dangerous, these monsters are not afraid. The water of the Jordan River may cover their mouths, but they still feel safe.

24There is no way that anyone can catch one of them. No one can make its eyes blind. No one can put a ring in its nose and lead it away.’