Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Job 40 Devotional

No Hand Strong Enough

“Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?”Job 40:8 (BSB)

After the LORD's first speech, Job admits he is insignificant and covers his mouth with his hand (40:4-5). But the LORD speaks again from the storm, and asks: would Job discredit God's justice in order to prove himself right (40:8)? Job had been right to reject his friends' theory. But in defending himself, he had come close to accusing God.

So the LORD offers a challenge. If Job has an arm like God's, let him clothe himself in majesty, bring every proud person low, and bury the wicked in the dust. Then, God says, he would grant that Job could rescue himself (40:10-14). God also points to Behemoth, made alongside Job, a creature so strong that only its Maker can master it (40:15-19). Salvation belongs to God. Isaiah describes the LORD finding no one to step in, and so acting to save by his own power (Isaiah 59:16). Our standing before God was never going to be secured by our own hand.

To think about: Where are you still trying to secure your own standing before God, and what would it mean to rest in his salvation?

About Job 40: Job's Silence and Behemoth's Might

The LORD challenges Job to answer Him, and Job admits he is small and will say no more. Speaking again from the storm, God asks whether Job would condemn Him to clear himself, dares him to rule the proud, and describes the mighty Behemoth that only its Maker can master.

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