Job 41:6

"Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your girls?"

Key Reflection

In Job 41:6, the text presents a curious and unlikely scenario where one might attempt to handle or tame the leviathan, a symbolic representation of God's power and majesty. This imagery challenges the reader to imagine engaging with such a fearsome creature, suggesting that even attempts at control are futile. The use of comparisons like playing with a bird or binding it for girls highlights how inadequate human efforts are in the face of divine might, reinforcing themes of humility and the limitations of human understanding in the presence of God's power.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Shall thy companions make a banquet of him? -This is one of the “vexed passages” about which there has been much difference of opinion. Gesenius renders it, “Do the companions (“i. e.” the fishermen in company) lay snares for him?” So Noyes renders it. Dr. Harris translates it, “Shall thy partners spread a banquet for him?” The Septuagint renders it, “Do the nations feed upon him?” The Vulgate, “Will friends cut him up?” that is, for a banquet. Rosenmuller renders it, “Will friends feast upon him?” The word rendered “thy companions” (חבריםchabbâriym) means properly those joined or associated together for any purpose, whether for friendship or for business.

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