Job 40:20 – “The hills bring it their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby.”
Extended Explanation
In Job 40:20, God continues describing Behemoth, a powerful and majestic creature. Here, He describes how “the hills bring it their produce” and how “all the wild animals play nearby.” This imagery paints a picture of Behemoth as a creature that lives in a world where nature itself provides for it, and other creatures gather around it. The verse suggests an ecosystem created and sustained by God’s hand, in which Behemoth, despite its strength, relies on God’s provision for food and shelter.
God is helping Job see that even the most powerful creatures in nature are dependent on Him. Behemoth may be strong, but it depends on the produce of the hills and the environment around it to survive. This shows Job that all of creation, even the mightiest parts, rely on God’s provision and care. This verse is a reminder that God alone sustains life, providing everything His creatures need to thrive.
Historical Context
The book of Job, one of the oldest stories in the Bible, explores deep questions about God’s nature, human suffering, and the relationship between Creator and creation. Job, a righteous man, experienced intense suffering and questioned God’s justice. His friends suggested that he must have sinned to deserve such hardship, while Job maintained his innocence and demanded answers from God.
When God finally speaks, He doesn’t directly answer Job’s questions. Instead, He describes the wonders of creation, including Behemoth, to show Job His power and wisdom. In the ancient world, animals were seen as part of a natural order governed by divine forces, and a powerful creature like Behemoth would have represented strength and mystery. God’s description of how nature supports Behemoth would have been understood as a display of divine provision. God’s message to Job and the reader is clear: creation is interconnected and depends on God, who provides for every living thing.
Theological Implications
Job 40:20 reminds us that God is the ultimate provider for all creation. Even a creature as strong as Behemoth relies on God’s provision to survive and thrive. This verse emphasizes that nothing in creation is truly self-sufficient; everything depends on God’s ongoing care and provision. For believers, this teaches that we, too, are dependent on God for all we have, from daily necessities to spiritual guidance. By pointing out that even Behemoth relies on God, this verse invites us to recognize our own need for Him and to trust in His care and provision.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses poetic imagery to describe the interconnectedness of nature and God’s provision. The phrase “the hills bring it their produce” paints a picture of a natural world that serves the needs of this great creature, while “all the wild animals play nearby” suggests an environment at peace, governed by God’s wisdom. The language creates a sense of harmony in creation, emphasizing that everything works together as part of God’s design. Through this imagery, God is showing Job that His creation is balanced and carefully sustained. This literary approach invites readers to consider the beauty and order of God’s creation and to see His hand in every part of it.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 104:14-15 – “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” This psalm celebrates God’s provision for all creatures, echoing the theme of Job 40:20.
- Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Jesus’ words remind us that God provides for all creation, from the smallest birds to the largest creatures.
- Psalm 145:15-16 – “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” This psalm reflects the idea that all life depends on God’s care and provision.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s believers, Job 40:20 is a reminder of God’s provision and care for all of creation. Just as God provides for Behemoth, ensuring it has food and a safe environment, He provides for us as well. This verse encourages us to trust that God knows our needs and will provide for them, just as He provides for His creatures in nature. When we face challenges or uncertainty about the future, we can find comfort in knowing that the same God who cares for Behemoth cares for us even more. This perspective allows us to rest in His faithfulness and to live with gratitude and trust.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love and care for His creation. By providing food and an environment for Behemoth to live in, God shows His commitment to sustaining and nurturing every part of creation. His provision for Behemoth is a sign of His love, a reminder that His care extends to every creature, no matter how great or small. Just as He provides for the animals in the wild, He provides for us, caring for every aspect of our lives. This verse reassures us that God’s love is expressed through His ongoing provision and that His care for creation reflects His deep and personal love for each of us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job 40:20 points us to Jesus Christ, who taught about God’s provision and demonstrated God’s care for all of creation. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus encouraged His followers not to worry, using examples from nature—such as birds and flowers—to show that God provides for all He has made. Jesus’ teachings remind us that if God cares for animals and plants, He will certainly care for us. In John 10:11, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, showing that He is actively involved in caring for and guiding His people. Through His life and sacrifice, Jesus provided for humanity’s greatest need: redemption and reconciliation with God. Just as God provides for Behemoth, He provides for us, and through Jesus, He offers us eternal life and hope.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does reflecting on God’s provision for nature help me trust in His care for my own needs?
- In what ways does Job’s experience encourage me to depend on God’s provision rather than my own efforts?
- How does Jesus’ teaching about God’s provision deepen my understanding of His love and care?
- Are there areas in my life where I need to let go of worry, trusting that God will provide for me?
- How can I practice gratitude for God’s daily provision, recognizing His faithfulness in the details of life?
Job 40:20 is a powerful reminder that God is the provider and sustainer of all creation. Through Job’s story, we learn to see God’s hand in every part of life, trusting that He is always at work, caring for and providing for all He has made. In Jesus, we see the ultimate expression of God’s provision and love, as He meets our deepest needs and offers us hope and salvation. This verse encourages us to live with trust and gratitude, knowing that the God who provides for His creatures is also deeply committed to providing for us in every season of life.