at other key points in the poem. The pivot statement (v. 19) looks back to this opening line (v. 15) by underscoring the creatureliness and primordiality of Behemoth. It also looks forward to the subjugation of this Beast in the closure (v. 24) by alluding to the sword of El which Behemoth faces. The closure recalls the title of El, the Maker (in v. 19), and identifies him as the one who subjugates Behemoth with hooks and rings as if he were a hippopotamus. A Topic Statement: Behemoth and Job 40:15
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