Job 41:22

"His breath kindles coals. A flame goes out of his mouth."

Key Reflection

In the ancient Near East, Job 41:22 vividly describes the might and terror of a powerful sea monster, likely the leviathan. The imagery of fiery breath and flames emphasizes the creature’s overwhelming strength and destructive power, making it a fitting symbol of divine wrath or chaos that contrasts with the order and wisdom of God in the larger narrative of Job.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

In his neck remaineth strength -That is, strength is “permanently residing” there. It is not assumed for the moment, but his neck is so constructed as to be the abode of strength. The word here rendered “remaineth” (יליןyālı̂yn), means properly to pass the night; then to abide or dwell; and there is a designed contrast here with what is said of “sorrow” in this verse. This description of strength residing in the neck, agrees well with the crocodile; see the figure of the animal on p. 255. It is not easy, however, to see how this is applicable to the whale, as Prof. Lee supposes. The whale is endowed, indeed, with great strength, as Prof.

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