40:2 contend with Shaddai Job is now getting the day in court that he has wished for throughout the book (see note on Job 9:3). However, instead of presenting his case, he is silent.

Anyone who argues with God must answer Job demanded answers from God (7:20; 10:2; 31:35). Now, God challenges Job to answer His questions. God’s questions, however, were rhetorical and sarcastic (38:5) and meant to show Job the foolishness of contending with such a powerful God.

40:4 I am insignificant The Hebrew term qalal means “to be light, insignificant.” It is the opposite of the term kaved, which means “to be heavy,” but usually carries the sense of “honor” (1 Sam 2:30; Isa 23:9). In comparison to the grand majesty of God, Job humbly acknowledges his own insignificance.

I lay my hand on my mouth An outward expression of silence (Job 21:5; 29:9).

40:5 I will not answer Despite Job’s humility, he stops short of obeying God’s command to give an answer (38:3; 40:2). God’s calling Job to action a second time (v. 7) may indicate His displeasure with Job’s lack of repentance (compare 42:1–6).

Justice

40:6 Yahweh answered Job Describes a theophany. See note on 38:1.

Theophany in the Old Testament

40:7 Prepare yourself for a difficult task like a man As with His first discourse, God issues a challenge to Job before laying out His argument. See note on 38:3.

40:8 Indeed, would you annul my justice See 9:22 and note.

you might be righteous Job repeatedly claimed to be in the right (9:20; 13:18). By claiming innocence and demanding an answer from God, Job came close to justifying himself over God—an accusation made by Elihu (32:2).

40:9 you have an arm like God God responds to Job’s accusation by asserting His sovereignty. God’s arm was a symbol of His strength in judgment and salvation (e.g., Exod 6:6; Psa 89:13; Isa 52:10).

can you thunder with a voice like his Elihu proclaimed the majestic power of God’s voice (37:2–5).

40:10 Adorn yourself with pride and dignity God tells Job to dress himself with the grandeur that accompanies God as Creator (Psa 104:1–4) and King (Psa 93:1–2).

40:11 the overflowing of your anger Since Job complained that God was not punishing the wicked, God now invites Job to do it.

40:12 Look at all the proud God uses this phrase twice (compare Job 40:11). Here, He emphasizes the large-scale judgment that Job would be required to carry out.

40:14 your own right hand can save you If Job administered justice over the whole earth, he would no longer need God—he could vindicate himself.

40:15 Behemoth The exact identity of this animal is unknown. It most likely refers to a hippopotamus, but may refer to an elephant or even a mythical creature. The description emphasizes the animal’s power and size. This strong beast is frightening and uncontrollable to humanity, but God simply considers it another one of His creatures.

which I have made just as I made you God emphasizes His supremacy over Job: He who creates the largest beasts also created Job.

40:19 the first of God’s actions Behemoth is described as the greatest among God’s creation—the first in terms of rank.

40:20 wild animals An allusion to the creation account in Genesis (Gen 2:19–20).