This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:34
34 He beholdeth [ra'ah] all high [gaboahh] things: he is a king [melek] over all the children [ben] of pride [shachats]. KJV-Interlinear
34 'He looks on everything that is high; He is king over all the sons of pride.' NASB
God here concludes His description of a creature, marvelously made, undefeatable and nearly indestructible. One who stirs up turmoil into a muddy murky sea of seemingly boiling water. One who cruises his domain without regard to the secrecy of his own movements, but can lurk beneath the water and spring on its prey with terrible speed and confidence of its kill.
And now we are told that this creature is a proud creature. A characteristic that does not exist in animals. And not only proud, but the king of all that are proud. So now, we know that this creature, the crocodile which we have been studying, is only a symbol, representing Satan the proudest of them all.
Throughout ancient history, the crocodile head has long been a symbol used for the Pharaohs, as well as devil worshipers.
Satan who is the father of lies, the author of sin, and the master of deceit and confusion, has longed to rise to levels of power and authority above the most high, namely God.
Satan cruises this world, which he thinks belongs to him, stirring up trouble and promoting confusion, just as we have seen throughout this book of Job.
And while people see and know of his antics and mannerisms and have known throughout all of history, they still ignore the warnings from heaven and flirt with the danger out from this world every day of their lives. And not only flirt with danger, but embrace it, making it their chosen pattern of life.
Lost in the fog of life, unable to see clearly anything because of lack of truth in their souls, people disregard the dangers of Leviathan (the evils of the world), the stubbornness of the Behemoth (refusal to change), and pursue one bizarre idea after another.
We all have our Behemoth and Leviathan. We all view life from different perspectives. We all face challenges of one sort or another. To some the challenges are physical, to others they are mental, but regardless of your situation in life, there is only one person who can reign in all of the madness of confusion and suffering of this world, and bring something better, and that person is Jesus Christ.
God controls history. The world is nothing more than an ego gone astray from reality, and it offers nothing more than just that. Bible doctrine is the only path back to truth and reality, and the hope (confidence) of a better life both now, and in the life to come.
Showing posts with label Job 41. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job 41. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Job 41:33
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:33
33 Upon earth [`aphar] there is not his like [moshel], who is made [`asah] without [baliy] fear [chath]. KJV-Interlinear
33 'Nothing on earth is like him, One made without fear. NASB
Bible Study Note: I added a video to the Bible Study Index Page and to the Ebook opening page. You might find it interesting.
Now, these last two verses will make the lesson clear if you have been paying attention. First we have been studying the crocodile, or as the Bible has described him, the Leviathan, a very large and dangerous creature.
But we know from our overall studies of the Bible, that all these things are meant to teach us instruction in righteousness.
'All scripture is God breathed, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be mature, rightly dividing the word of truth.'
The Bible was not placed here with us in order to entertain us. The Bible was not placed here for us to figure out for ourselves, what we need to do to get ourselves through this life.
The Bible was given to us, in order to provide for us a means, of growing up spiritually to spiritual maturity.
Our life here in this world is temporary. Our permanent life will not occur until eternity begins, and eternity does not begin until all of human history reaches its conclusion at the end of the Millennium.
The crocodile, or Leviathan, is a horrendous beast, capable of destroying anything within its grasp.
The crocodile is a picture of the world in many respects. It is powerful, self-centered, and cares nothing for anything but itself.
Just as there is no beast similar to the crocodile, so too, this earth is unique. There is nothing in this universe like this earth. The crocodile lives within the community of animals and the earth exists within a community of the universe.
Here we are unique. There is no other earth, no other civilization anywhere in the universe. And if there were other planets who held animal life prior to the creation of humanity, just as the dinosaurs existed prior to the creation of Adam and Eve, then they were destroyed by Satan, leaving earth the last remaining planet which holds life and setting the stage for Satan's last stand before God.
Personally, I don't think that life ever existed anywhere but on this earth. But hey, we could easily go to Mars and find a bone of two, and then people would challenge Christianity, God and everything we have come to hold for granted. But then wasn't the earth flat once? Did that former belief destroy Christianity or Christ, once the truth became known?
Anyway, the beast was made without fear. The world was made without fear, without feelings, without empathy, without any concern for truth or our existence. And that is what we are up against in this life.
On the one hand, we have the world, sponsored by Satan who is determined to ruin our life both now and in eternity. And on the other hand, we have God, who is determined to give us everything.
We will face difficulties galore. Some face more hardships than others, but to God, mans circumstances are never a handicap or even an advantage.
God is greater than anything and everything put together. Jesus Christ controls history. God does not depend on the abilities of man. He works His will without regard to human means. The battle is the Lords!
Perhaps one day you will learn this.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:33
33 Upon earth [`aphar] there is not his like [moshel], who is made [`asah] without [baliy] fear [chath]. KJV-Interlinear
33 'Nothing on earth is like him, One made without fear. NASB
Bible Study Note: I added a video to the Bible Study Index Page and to the Ebook opening page. You might find it interesting.
Now, these last two verses will make the lesson clear if you have been paying attention. First we have been studying the crocodile, or as the Bible has described him, the Leviathan, a very large and dangerous creature.
But we know from our overall studies of the Bible, that all these things are meant to teach us instruction in righteousness.
'All scripture is God breathed, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be mature, rightly dividing the word of truth.'
The Bible was not placed here with us in order to entertain us. The Bible was not placed here for us to figure out for ourselves, what we need to do to get ourselves through this life.
The Bible was given to us, in order to provide for us a means, of growing up spiritually to spiritual maturity.
Our life here in this world is temporary. Our permanent life will not occur until eternity begins, and eternity does not begin until all of human history reaches its conclusion at the end of the Millennium.
The crocodile, or Leviathan, is a horrendous beast, capable of destroying anything within its grasp.
The crocodile is a picture of the world in many respects. It is powerful, self-centered, and cares nothing for anything but itself.
Just as there is no beast similar to the crocodile, so too, this earth is unique. There is nothing in this universe like this earth. The crocodile lives within the community of animals and the earth exists within a community of the universe.
Here we are unique. There is no other earth, no other civilization anywhere in the universe. And if there were other planets who held animal life prior to the creation of humanity, just as the dinosaurs existed prior to the creation of Adam and Eve, then they were destroyed by Satan, leaving earth the last remaining planet which holds life and setting the stage for Satan's last stand before God.
Personally, I don't think that life ever existed anywhere but on this earth. But hey, we could easily go to Mars and find a bone of two, and then people would challenge Christianity, God and everything we have come to hold for granted. But then wasn't the earth flat once? Did that former belief destroy Christianity or Christ, once the truth became known?
Anyway, the beast was made without fear. The world was made without fear, without feelings, without empathy, without any concern for truth or our existence. And that is what we are up against in this life.
On the one hand, we have the world, sponsored by Satan who is determined to ruin our life both now and in eternity. And on the other hand, we have God, who is determined to give us everything.
We will face difficulties galore. Some face more hardships than others, but to God, mans circumstances are never a handicap or even an advantage.
God is greater than anything and everything put together. Jesus Christ controls history. God does not depend on the abilities of man. He works His will without regard to human means. The battle is the Lords!
Perhaps one day you will learn this.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Job 41:30-32
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:30-32
30 Sharp [chadduwd] stones [cheres] are under him: he spreadeth [raphad] sharp pointed things [charuwts] upon the mire [tiyt].
31 He maketh the deep [matsowlah] to boil [rathach] like a pot [ciyr]: he maketh [suwm] the sea [yam] like a pot of ointment [merqachah].
32 He maketh a path [nathiyb] to shine ['owr] after ['achar] him; one would think [chashab] the deep [tahowm] to be hoary [seybah]. KJV-Interlinear
30 'His underparts are like sharp potsherds; He spreads out like a threshing sledge on the mire. 31 'He makes the depths boil like a pot; He makes the sea like a jar of ointment. 32 'Behind him he makes a wake to shine; One would think the deep to be gray-haired. NASB
The Leviathan, the beast, the crocodile as we have been calling him, fears none of the weapons that man or nature can hurl against him.
Even his soft underbelly is not sensitive to broken glass or potsherds. He is as comfortable resting on sharp objects as he is on soft soil. His is oblivious to the nature of his circumstances, indifferent to everything, interested only in his immediate wants and needs.
When he swims through the waters, he moves with such force, that he stirs up the mud and water, leaving a wake of bubbles and mud, which are easy to follow, if one were to track and pursue such a beast. But, the water would be so filled with mud and debris that you could not swim in it or see anything if you were in the water.
Because he fears nothing, he does not even attempt to conceal his tracks or the motion of his movements.
And so it is with the world. It conceals nothing, but mingles its deceit and terror out in the open where any discerning person can recognize its muddy mire and character.
But unfortunately, there are many who see the state of the world and yet they pursue it anyway, to their own demise.
Like the crocodile, the world is huge and powerful, but its power comes not from truth, but from its own God given strength.
But unlike the crocodile, who uses its attributes to function in a manner for its own survival, the world uses or rather misuses its attributes for deception and destruction of anything and everything. The crocodile wants to perpetuate its own life. The world wants to destroy everything.
God is the author of the world and the crocodile, which by the way, were not created destructive. Satan is the author of the destructive nature of the world and all things.
Both the world and the crocodile became destructive when sin entered into the world, in the Garden.
Just as one cannot see the light of day when the crocodile stirs up the muddy waters, so too, humanity cannot see the light of truth when sin stirs up our view of life and when humanity chooses to swim within that muddy realm.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:30-32
30 Sharp [chadduwd] stones [cheres] are under him: he spreadeth [raphad] sharp pointed things [charuwts] upon the mire [tiyt].
31 He maketh the deep [matsowlah] to boil [rathach] like a pot [ciyr]: he maketh [suwm] the sea [yam] like a pot of ointment [merqachah].
32 He maketh a path [nathiyb] to shine ['owr] after ['achar] him; one would think [chashab] the deep [tahowm] to be hoary [seybah]. KJV-Interlinear
30 'His underparts are like sharp potsherds; He spreads out like a threshing sledge on the mire. 31 'He makes the depths boil like a pot; He makes the sea like a jar of ointment. 32 'Behind him he makes a wake to shine; One would think the deep to be gray-haired. NASB
The Leviathan, the beast, the crocodile as we have been calling him, fears none of the weapons that man or nature can hurl against him.
Even his soft underbelly is not sensitive to broken glass or potsherds. He is as comfortable resting on sharp objects as he is on soft soil. His is oblivious to the nature of his circumstances, indifferent to everything, interested only in his immediate wants and needs.
When he swims through the waters, he moves with such force, that he stirs up the mud and water, leaving a wake of bubbles and mud, which are easy to follow, if one were to track and pursue such a beast. But, the water would be so filled with mud and debris that you could not swim in it or see anything if you were in the water.
Because he fears nothing, he does not even attempt to conceal his tracks or the motion of his movements.
And so it is with the world. It conceals nothing, but mingles its deceit and terror out in the open where any discerning person can recognize its muddy mire and character.
But unfortunately, there are many who see the state of the world and yet they pursue it anyway, to their own demise.
Like the crocodile, the world is huge and powerful, but its power comes not from truth, but from its own God given strength.
But unlike the crocodile, who uses its attributes to function in a manner for its own survival, the world uses or rather misuses its attributes for deception and destruction of anything and everything. The crocodile wants to perpetuate its own life. The world wants to destroy everything.
God is the author of the world and the crocodile, which by the way, were not created destructive. Satan is the author of the destructive nature of the world and all things.
Both the world and the crocodile became destructive when sin entered into the world, in the Garden.
Just as one cannot see the light of day when the crocodile stirs up the muddy waters, so too, humanity cannot see the light of truth when sin stirs up our view of life and when humanity chooses to swim within that muddy realm.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Job 41:26-29
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:26-29
26 The sword [chereb] of him that layeth [nasag] at him cannot hold [quwm]: the spear [chaniyth], the dart [macca`], nor the habergeon [shiryown].
27 He esteemeth [chashab] iron [barzel] as straw [teben], and brass [nachuwshah] as rotten [riqqabown] wood [`ets].
28 The arrow [ben] [qesheth] cannot make him flee [barach]: slingstones ['eben] [qela`] are turned [haphak] with him into stubble [qash].
29 Darts [towthach] are counted [chashab] as stubble [qash]: he laugheth [sachaq] at the shaking [ra`ash] of a spear [kiydown]. KJV-Interlinear
26 'The sword that reaches him cannot avail; Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin. 27 'He regards iron as straw, Bronze as rotten wood. 28 'The arrow cannot make him flee; Slingstones are turned into stubble for him. 29 'Clubs are regarded as stubble; He laughs at the rattling of the javelin. NASB
Though the nature of the beast is real and obvious. Though the outcome of any confrontation is certain. There are many who will defy the repercussions of their actions and take on the monster, head to head.
The beast is the Leviathan mentioned in the Bible. We don't have any animal named as such in our current day, so we use the term beast or monster or crocodile, the large kind, to make these descriptions more real and understandable to us. The croc in this case is twenty feet long, six feet high and weighing over 2000 pounds.
But the Word of God is here for our instruction in life. We may be learning of the real dread of a croc, but the real lesson is of the dangers of the world and a life without God.
The world of the jungle is one of no rules. That is to say, no rules that benefit any human being.
But when God is ignored, then people will try as they may, to take on the jungle with whatever tools, weapons, innovation, or imagination they have at their disposal.
And so we examine the weapons used to fight against the monster of the jungle.
The sword, the spear, the dart, the javelin, or arrows, all of these provide offensive combat weapons for fights close in, at medium distances, or at longer ranges. The iron and bronze refer to the defensive weapons, such as the shield or breastplate. Anything that a soldier might use to protect himself.
What attitude does the monster take toward these weapons? He laughs. They are as useless as straw in a battle to the death. Mans attitude, mans shouting, mans boasting of superiority or sovereignty over his own destiny, are but jokes to the beast.
And that is the attitude of the world toward humanity. Man is nothing more than a speck of dust. How can dust rule anything? How can dust control anything? And that is the ultimate lesson.
Without God in your life, without God in your life in the right way, and not in some way which you conveniently define for yourself, then your life is no better off than if you were standing right in front of a huge angry, hungry crocodile. You lose. You will always lose. You will never win.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:26-29
26 The sword [chereb] of him that layeth [nasag] at him cannot hold [quwm]: the spear [chaniyth], the dart [macca`], nor the habergeon [shiryown].
27 He esteemeth [chashab] iron [barzel] as straw [teben], and brass [nachuwshah] as rotten [riqqabown] wood [`ets].
28 The arrow [ben] [qesheth] cannot make him flee [barach]: slingstones ['eben] [qela`] are turned [haphak] with him into stubble [qash].
29 Darts [towthach] are counted [chashab] as stubble [qash]: he laugheth [sachaq] at the shaking [ra`ash] of a spear [kiydown]. KJV-Interlinear
26 'The sword that reaches him cannot avail; Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin. 27 'He regards iron as straw, Bronze as rotten wood. 28 'The arrow cannot make him flee; Slingstones are turned into stubble for him. 29 'Clubs are regarded as stubble; He laughs at the rattling of the javelin. NASB
Though the nature of the beast is real and obvious. Though the outcome of any confrontation is certain. There are many who will defy the repercussions of their actions and take on the monster, head to head.
The beast is the Leviathan mentioned in the Bible. We don't have any animal named as such in our current day, so we use the term beast or monster or crocodile, the large kind, to make these descriptions more real and understandable to us. The croc in this case is twenty feet long, six feet high and weighing over 2000 pounds.
But the Word of God is here for our instruction in life. We may be learning of the real dread of a croc, but the real lesson is of the dangers of the world and a life without God.
The world of the jungle is one of no rules. That is to say, no rules that benefit any human being.
But when God is ignored, then people will try as they may, to take on the jungle with whatever tools, weapons, innovation, or imagination they have at their disposal.
And so we examine the weapons used to fight against the monster of the jungle.
The sword, the spear, the dart, the javelin, or arrows, all of these provide offensive combat weapons for fights close in, at medium distances, or at longer ranges. The iron and bronze refer to the defensive weapons, such as the shield or breastplate. Anything that a soldier might use to protect himself.
What attitude does the monster take toward these weapons? He laughs. They are as useless as straw in a battle to the death. Mans attitude, mans shouting, mans boasting of superiority or sovereignty over his own destiny, are but jokes to the beast.
And that is the attitude of the world toward humanity. Man is nothing more than a speck of dust. How can dust rule anything? How can dust control anything? And that is the ultimate lesson.
Without God in your life, without God in your life in the right way, and not in some way which you conveniently define for yourself, then your life is no better off than if you were standing right in front of a huge angry, hungry crocodile. You lose. You will always lose. You will never win.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Job 41:24-25
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:24-25
24 His heart [leb] is as firm [yatsaq] as a stone ['eben]; yea, as hard [yatsaq] as a piece [pelach] of the nether [tachtiy] millstone.
25 When he raiseth up [sa'eth] himself, the mighty ['ayil] are afraid [guwr]: by reason of breakings [sheber] they purify [chata'] themselves. KJV-Interlinear
24 'His heart is as hard as a stone; Even as hard as a lower millstone. 25 'When he raises himself up, the mighty fear; Because of the crashing they are bewildered. NASB
The heart is the muscle which pumps the blood through the body of living creatures. You have a heart, birds have hearts, animals, even fish have hearts that constantly pump the blood they have, throughout their physical systems.
The heart also refers to the attitude or mind set of the creature. And through this symbolism we can understand the attitude of the beast.
He is steadfast in his purpose. His heart is as a millstone, or namely immovable in its purpose, once set in its place.
Stories of old are filled with the fear that people felt, and even the avoidance of going near a river for fear of becoming a victim to the crocodile. They hide so quietly such that, and even in our current day, many folks fall victim to croc's. No one dares even go after them unless they have a very large cannon strapped to themselves.
And even then, the croc's can launch out of the water with such ferociousness and speed, that the best of hunters can become their victim.
But also remember that these crocodiles represent the jungle environment of this world. As the croc's are immovable, ferocious, uncaring, powerful, destructive, unsympathetic, without conscience in their purpose, so too the world is likewise.
You cannot defeat the crocodile with your hands and likewise your life, with everything you possess, is nothing more than symbolically by means of your own hands. You cannot defeat the world. You cannot change the world's inherent nature. You cannot defeat the world. Without God in your life, you are already the doomed victim.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:24-25
24 His heart [leb] is as firm [yatsaq] as a stone ['eben]; yea, as hard [yatsaq] as a piece [pelach] of the nether [tachtiy] millstone.
25 When he raiseth up [sa'eth] himself, the mighty ['ayil] are afraid [guwr]: by reason of breakings [sheber] they purify [chata'] themselves. KJV-Interlinear
24 'His heart is as hard as a stone; Even as hard as a lower millstone. 25 'When he raises himself up, the mighty fear; Because of the crashing they are bewildered. NASB
The heart is the muscle which pumps the blood through the body of living creatures. You have a heart, birds have hearts, animals, even fish have hearts that constantly pump the blood they have, throughout their physical systems.
The heart also refers to the attitude or mind set of the creature. And through this symbolism we can understand the attitude of the beast.
He is steadfast in his purpose. His heart is as a millstone, or namely immovable in its purpose, once set in its place.
Stories of old are filled with the fear that people felt, and even the avoidance of going near a river for fear of becoming a victim to the crocodile. They hide so quietly such that, and even in our current day, many folks fall victim to croc's. No one dares even go after them unless they have a very large cannon strapped to themselves.
And even then, the croc's can launch out of the water with such ferociousness and speed, that the best of hunters can become their victim.
But also remember that these crocodiles represent the jungle environment of this world. As the croc's are immovable, ferocious, uncaring, powerful, destructive, unsympathetic, without conscience in their purpose, so too the world is likewise.
You cannot defeat the crocodile with your hands and likewise your life, with everything you possess, is nothing more than symbolically by means of your own hands. You cannot defeat the world. You cannot change the world's inherent nature. You cannot defeat the world. Without God in your life, you are already the doomed victim.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Job 41:21-23
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:21-23
21 His breath [nephesh] kindleth [lahat] coals [gechel], and a flame [lahab] goeth out [yatsa'] of his mouth [peh].
22 In his neck [tsavva'r] remaineth [luwn] strength [`oz], and sorrow [da'abah] is turned into joy [duwts] before [paniym] him.
23 The flakes [mappal] of his flesh [basar] are joined together [dabaq]: they are firm [yatsaq] in themselves; they cannot be moved [mowt]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'His breath kindles coals, And a flame goes forth from his mouth. 22 'In his neck lodges strength, And dismay leaps before him. 23 'The folds of his flesh are joined together, Firm on him and immovable. NASB
God continues with His description of the fierceness of the beast, which we have been using the huge crocodile as our example.
When coming face to face with such an animal, the sheer size of his appearance should send terror throughout ones entire being. But there is more than just size.
The breathing, snorting, and mannerisms of the animal spell nothing other than your certain doom, or the doom of its intended victim.
The strength of its neck, implying that the animal cannot be dealt with in any fashion. You cannot wrestle with it. You cannot take it down and make it surrender. You cannot defeat it.
There is but one outcome, and that is your own destruction (your sorrow), and the croc's victory (his joy).
Except for the underbelly, which you as the victim will never see, the crocodile has no penetrable points on him. His hide is coarse and tough, tightly held together such that the victim is totally defenseless and without any opportunity of turning the battle against the crocodile.
All muscle and all power, all aggressiveness, and merciless the croc will care nothing for you, your feelings or anything but his own certain outcome in the battle. In his mind, you the victim are already his meal.
Now, God is not just giving us a lesson regarding crocodiles. He is giving us a lesson regarding the jungle life that everyone is exposed to, if they do not have God in their life.
You have only two possible life environments in which you can live - the jungle and the spiritual.
In the jungle, God allows you, by your own choice, to exist within the jungle environment, and there you lose - always. The world is like the crocodile and you are the helpless victim, just as the ancients were when they faced such an animal. Regardless of the make up of the world, the jungle (life without God) is always greater than the person.
In the spiritual life, God is in control, and the jungle, though it still swirls around you, is rendered helpless by the superior spiritual resources that you possess (Christ in you). In the spiritual life, God will always lead you to certain victory. And though you will still be exposed to the jaws of violence, which is the only thing that the world knows, God uses those circumstances to help you grow up (mature) in your spiritual life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:21-23
21 His breath [nephesh] kindleth [lahat] coals [gechel], and a flame [lahab] goeth out [yatsa'] of his mouth [peh].
22 In his neck [tsavva'r] remaineth [luwn] strength [`oz], and sorrow [da'abah] is turned into joy [duwts] before [paniym] him.
23 The flakes [mappal] of his flesh [basar] are joined together [dabaq]: they are firm [yatsaq] in themselves; they cannot be moved [mowt]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'His breath kindles coals, And a flame goes forth from his mouth. 22 'In his neck lodges strength, And dismay leaps before him. 23 'The folds of his flesh are joined together, Firm on him and immovable. NASB
God continues with His description of the fierceness of the beast, which we have been using the huge crocodile as our example.
When coming face to face with such an animal, the sheer size of his appearance should send terror throughout ones entire being. But there is more than just size.
The breathing, snorting, and mannerisms of the animal spell nothing other than your certain doom, or the doom of its intended victim.
The strength of its neck, implying that the animal cannot be dealt with in any fashion. You cannot wrestle with it. You cannot take it down and make it surrender. You cannot defeat it.
There is but one outcome, and that is your own destruction (your sorrow), and the croc's victory (his joy).
Except for the underbelly, which you as the victim will never see, the crocodile has no penetrable points on him. His hide is coarse and tough, tightly held together such that the victim is totally defenseless and without any opportunity of turning the battle against the crocodile.
All muscle and all power, all aggressiveness, and merciless the croc will care nothing for you, your feelings or anything but his own certain outcome in the battle. In his mind, you the victim are already his meal.
Now, God is not just giving us a lesson regarding crocodiles. He is giving us a lesson regarding the jungle life that everyone is exposed to, if they do not have God in their life.
You have only two possible life environments in which you can live - the jungle and the spiritual.
In the jungle, God allows you, by your own choice, to exist within the jungle environment, and there you lose - always. The world is like the crocodile and you are the helpless victim, just as the ancients were when they faced such an animal. Regardless of the make up of the world, the jungle (life without God) is always greater than the person.
In the spiritual life, God is in control, and the jungle, though it still swirls around you, is rendered helpless by the superior spiritual resources that you possess (Christ in you). In the spiritual life, God will always lead you to certain victory. And though you will still be exposed to the jaws of violence, which is the only thing that the world knows, God uses those circumstances to help you grow up (mature) in your spiritual life.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Job 41:18-20
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:18-20
18 By his neesings [`atiyshah] a light ['owr] doth shine [halal], and his eyes [`ayin] are like the eyelids [`aph`aph] of the morning [shachar].
19 Out of his mouth [peh] go [halak] burning lamps [lappiyd], and sparks [kiydowd] of fire ['esh] leap out [malat].
20 Out of his nostrils [nachiyr] goeth [yatsa'] smoke [`ashan], as out of a seething [naphach] pot [duwd] or caldron ['agmown]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'His sneezes flash forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19 'Out of his mouth go burning torches; Sparks of fire leap forth. 20 'Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth, As from a boiling pot and burning rushes. NASB
In ancient times, the crocodile eyes or eye, was portrayed in art and drawings quite often. Especially in Egyptian artwork.
The eyes of the crocodile though small when compared to the rest of the animal, portray a feeling of mystery and stealth, of intimidation, even a sort of hypnotizing beauty to a degree. That is where the 'morning eyes' phrase comes from.
It is sort of poetic, if you have ever looked at someone in the eyes in the early morning. There is a unique beauty and character, and inquisitiveness about them.
But the beast is a combination of beauty, inspiring awe from the point of view of an onlooker, while also presenting itself as a beast of terror and death. One with whom no one should mess with or even take for granted.
The symbolism of fire and smoke continues to describe the crocodile while in its aggressive mode.
Coming to the surface after being under water for a long spell, the croc exhales its long held air with a blast or snorting that thunders. To an observer, the exhale of breath and water spray seem as though the animal is shooting our fire and smoke.
When in pursuit of its prey, the beast works its jaws, its teeth, its breathing becomes hyper, with the noises of the pursuit shooting terror in its intended victim.
The sounds of the pursuit from the point of view of the pursued, make their world seem like it is falling apart in blasts of fire and smoke, with no escape possible. All perceptions in those few moments are exaggerated as the victim is seized with the terror and the horrors of their impending demise, as well as the actual process of their horrible death.
The crocodile has no mercy, no empathy, no remorse, no concern for the feelings of its victim. The croc has but one purpose and that is to win this pursuit and then eat its prey.
And such is a brief description of life in the jungle, and such is the description of life in a life without God. All people who attempt to live their lives without God, without Christ, without doctrine, indifferent to their spiritual life, have only the jungle as an alternative to the spiritual life. There, all people become victims with the above described result. Awed by the beauty, overwhelmed by the terror.
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Job 41:18-20
18 By his neesings [`atiyshah] a light ['owr] doth shine [halal], and his eyes [`ayin] are like the eyelids [`aph`aph] of the morning [shachar].
19 Out of his mouth [peh] go [halak] burning lamps [lappiyd], and sparks [kiydowd] of fire ['esh] leap out [malat].
20 Out of his nostrils [nachiyr] goeth [yatsa'] smoke [`ashan], as out of a seething [naphach] pot [duwd] or caldron ['agmown]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'His sneezes flash forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19 'Out of his mouth go burning torches; Sparks of fire leap forth. 20 'Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth, As from a boiling pot and burning rushes. NASB
In ancient times, the crocodile eyes or eye, was portrayed in art and drawings quite often. Especially in Egyptian artwork.
The eyes of the crocodile though small when compared to the rest of the animal, portray a feeling of mystery and stealth, of intimidation, even a sort of hypnotizing beauty to a degree. That is where the 'morning eyes' phrase comes from.
It is sort of poetic, if you have ever looked at someone in the eyes in the early morning. There is a unique beauty and character, and inquisitiveness about them.
But the beast is a combination of beauty, inspiring awe from the point of view of an onlooker, while also presenting itself as a beast of terror and death. One with whom no one should mess with or even take for granted.
The symbolism of fire and smoke continues to describe the crocodile while in its aggressive mode.
Coming to the surface after being under water for a long spell, the croc exhales its long held air with a blast or snorting that thunders. To an observer, the exhale of breath and water spray seem as though the animal is shooting our fire and smoke.
When in pursuit of its prey, the beast works its jaws, its teeth, its breathing becomes hyper, with the noises of the pursuit shooting terror in its intended victim.
The sounds of the pursuit from the point of view of the pursued, make their world seem like it is falling apart in blasts of fire and smoke, with no escape possible. All perceptions in those few moments are exaggerated as the victim is seized with the terror and the horrors of their impending demise, as well as the actual process of their horrible death.
The crocodile has no mercy, no empathy, no remorse, no concern for the feelings of its victim. The croc has but one purpose and that is to win this pursuit and then eat its prey.
And such is a brief description of life in the jungle, and such is the description of life in a life without God. All people who attempt to live their lives without God, without Christ, without doctrine, indifferent to their spiritual life, have only the jungle as an alternative to the spiritual life. There, all people become victims with the above described result. Awed by the beauty, overwhelmed by the terror.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Job 41:15-17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 41:15-17
15 His scales [magen] ['aphiyq] are his pride [ga`avah], shut up together [cagar] as with a close [tsar] seal [chowtham].
16 One ['echad] is so near [nagash] to another ['echad], that no air [ruwach] can come [bow'] between them.
17 They are joined [dabaq] one ['iysh] to another ['ach], they stick together [lakad], that they cannot be sundered [parad]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'His strong scales are his pride, Shut up as with a tight seal. 16 'One is so near to another, That no air can come between them. 17 'They are joined one to another; They clasp each other and cannot be separated. NASB
Pride here means confidence, reliability, dependability, consistency, steadfastness, stability. In human terms, pride would be thought of as conceit, arrogance, and pleasure in ones self and so forth.
Animals do not think in those terms.
Of all of their attributes, the animals strength, their agility, their instincts, are all interconnected to their physical characteristics.
Their tough skin, their coat, their colors, their scales, their camouflage, all of these things along with their water tightness, or toughness or ability to hide within their surroundings, gives the animal an ability to function for survival and to avoid their own demise when being hunted.
God, in His wisdom, in His genius, gave all animals some sort of outer skin, or hide, or scales, or fur with which to survive and function within their environment.
These things did not come about by accident. These things came by design.
The odds against life accidentally occurring on its own are great.
The odds against so many different life forms occurring by accident are infinitely greater.
The odds against so many different life forms with so many different attributes are infinitely, infinitely greater.
And guess what? The odds against all of these things occurring by accident, being destroyed by several extinctions on planet earth, and then repeating themselves, is way beyond infinity.
But there will be those who will just not believe in anything other than the accident of evolution.
Maybe that is why so many are jumping on the global warming bandwagon. Interesting enough by the way, I heard on the news this evening (Tues., June 10, 2008), that there is a significant reduction of sunspot activity. Hasn't been so low in almost 400 years, and what happened back then? The planet went through what was termed as a mini ice-age (1645-1705 A.D.). That low sunspot activity lasted sixty years. Cold and famines affected the entire planet. And now we are in our second year in a row for record cold temperatures. Where's the heat? No extra charge for this tidbit. But you might want to invest in long underwear!
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Job 41:15-17
15 His scales [magen] ['aphiyq] are his pride [ga`avah], shut up together [cagar] as with a close [tsar] seal [chowtham].
16 One ['echad] is so near [nagash] to another ['echad], that no air [ruwach] can come [bow'] between them.
17 They are joined [dabaq] one ['iysh] to another ['ach], they stick together [lakad], that they cannot be sundered [parad]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'His strong scales are his pride, Shut up as with a tight seal. 16 'One is so near to another, That no air can come between them. 17 'They are joined one to another; They clasp each other and cannot be separated. NASB
Pride here means confidence, reliability, dependability, consistency, steadfastness, stability. In human terms, pride would be thought of as conceit, arrogance, and pleasure in ones self and so forth.
Animals do not think in those terms.
Of all of their attributes, the animals strength, their agility, their instincts, are all interconnected to their physical characteristics.
Their tough skin, their coat, their colors, their scales, their camouflage, all of these things along with their water tightness, or toughness or ability to hide within their surroundings, gives the animal an ability to function for survival and to avoid their own demise when being hunted.
God, in His wisdom, in His genius, gave all animals some sort of outer skin, or hide, or scales, or fur with which to survive and function within their environment.
These things did not come about by accident. These things came by design.
The odds against life accidentally occurring on its own are great.
The odds against so many different life forms occurring by accident are infinitely greater.
The odds against so many different life forms with so many different attributes are infinitely, infinitely greater.
And guess what? The odds against all of these things occurring by accident, being destroyed by several extinctions on planet earth, and then repeating themselves, is way beyond infinity.
But there will be those who will just not believe in anything other than the accident of evolution.
Maybe that is why so many are jumping on the global warming bandwagon. Interesting enough by the way, I heard on the news this evening (Tues., June 10, 2008), that there is a significant reduction of sunspot activity. Hasn't been so low in almost 400 years, and what happened back then? The planet went through what was termed as a mini ice-age (1645-1705 A.D.). That low sunspot activity lasted sixty years. Cold and famines affected the entire planet. And now we are in our second year in a row for record cold temperatures. Where's the heat? No extra charge for this tidbit. But you might want to invest in long underwear!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Job 41:12-14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 41:12-14
12 I will not conceal [charash] his parts [bad], nor his power [gabuwrah] [dabar], nor his comely [chiyn] proportion [`erek].
13 Who can discover [galah] the face [paniym] of his garment [labuwsh]? or who can come [bow'] to him with his double [kephel] bridle [recen]?
14 Who can open [pathach] the doors [deleth] of his face [paniym]? his teeth [shen] are terrible ['eymah] round about [cabiyb]. KJV-Interlinear
12 'I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, Or his mighty strength, or his orderly frame. 13 'Who can strip off his outer armor? Who can come within his double mail? 14 'Who can open the doors of his face? Around his teeth there is terror. NASB
From verse 12 to verse 32, God describes the large animal in detail, not just to give us all an anatomy lesson in crocodiles and the like, but to teach us all that it is God who designed and created this animal, and created him out of simple dust.
The magnificence of the animal, the hugeness of something made to come to life, and survive, and have an intelligence, though limited, but sufficient to survive many thousands of years on this planet without the aid of man, or science, or technology, or any of those things.
In comparison, man has built great buildings, and bridges, and technology, but these are not life entities. These have no instincts, these have no procreation abilities, these have no means of self-survival.
But, just as mans construction and invention came with a designer and an inventor, so too, all of life came into being by means of a designer - namely God. Nothing in life occurred by accident. There are just too many ingredients, to many characteristics, too many attributes among the many life forms, to have begun by sheer accident.
And so God will not keep silent regarding the anatomy of the beast. God will not hide in secrets, the makeup of the beast. All is there for man to observe and investigate, and then conclude that the power and intelligence of God is far superior to that of man, and this is only from a description of a simple animal. What then do we conclude regarding physics, dimensions, sub-atomic things, even human emotions?
The huge animal has a powerful frame. The huge animal has great strength. The huge animal is organized within its design and makeup.
Who then can strip away is outer layers, and discover its inner design, in order to duplicate it?
Who would dare to pry open its jaws to examine its teeth, to command it to submit to such an examination, without fear of being torn apart in a terrifying and certain death?
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Job 41:12-14
12 I will not conceal [charash] his parts [bad], nor his power [gabuwrah] [dabar], nor his comely [chiyn] proportion [`erek].
13 Who can discover [galah] the face [paniym] of his garment [labuwsh]? or who can come [bow'] to him with his double [kephel] bridle [recen]?
14 Who can open [pathach] the doors [deleth] of his face [paniym]? his teeth [shen] are terrible ['eymah] round about [cabiyb]. KJV-Interlinear
12 'I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, Or his mighty strength, or his orderly frame. 13 'Who can strip off his outer armor? Who can come within his double mail? 14 'Who can open the doors of his face? Around his teeth there is terror. NASB
From verse 12 to verse 32, God describes the large animal in detail, not just to give us all an anatomy lesson in crocodiles and the like, but to teach us all that it is God who designed and created this animal, and created him out of simple dust.
The magnificence of the animal, the hugeness of something made to come to life, and survive, and have an intelligence, though limited, but sufficient to survive many thousands of years on this planet without the aid of man, or science, or technology, or any of those things.
In comparison, man has built great buildings, and bridges, and technology, but these are not life entities. These have no instincts, these have no procreation abilities, these have no means of self-survival.
But, just as mans construction and invention came with a designer and an inventor, so too, all of life came into being by means of a designer - namely God. Nothing in life occurred by accident. There are just too many ingredients, to many characteristics, too many attributes among the many life forms, to have begun by sheer accident.
And so God will not keep silent regarding the anatomy of the beast. God will not hide in secrets, the makeup of the beast. All is there for man to observe and investigate, and then conclude that the power and intelligence of God is far superior to that of man, and this is only from a description of a simple animal. What then do we conclude regarding physics, dimensions, sub-atomic things, even human emotions?
The huge animal has a powerful frame. The huge animal has great strength. The huge animal is organized within its design and makeup.
Who then can strip away is outer layers, and discover its inner design, in order to duplicate it?
Who would dare to pry open its jaws to examine its teeth, to command it to submit to such an examination, without fear of being torn apart in a terrifying and certain death?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Job 41:11
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 41:11
11 Who hath prevented [qadam] me, that I should repay [shalam] him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven [shamayim] is mine. KJV-Interlinear
11 'Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine. NASB
When a hunter goes hunting, he does not go out with noise to make his presence known. He goes out with stealth. He tries to find his prey, and advance on him in quiet such that he can at the last moment, spring on the prey and capture or kill it with quickness. Overwhelming the prey with surprise such that it cannot run, or even think of an avenue of escape.
The hunt is over quickly and the hunter has his prize.
And that is what 'prevented' means.
Who has come up quickly upon God? Who has caught God by surprise? Who has caught God off guard? Who has come up with a scenario that God has not anticipated?
And here we have two concepts in our study. First, history is a contest between God and Satan. Second, history is a contest between God and man. God is so far ahead of Satan and man, that the contest is not between God and anyone, but with Satan or man competing against themselves to prove who is the dumber.
God, in humor, just sits on the sidelines so to speak, and watches as man and Satan come up with one plan, one scenario, one complaint, after another. And history is just that. Man and Satan come up with all sorts of ideas and proposals, and scenarios, trying to discredit God and prove themselves.
And in each case, God demonstrates His superior wisdom and mans superior stupidity.
So, who has come up with something, anything, such that God owes a response, a reply, an apology?
God owes us nothing. We are dust and nothing more. Anytime that God gives us an explanation, it is out of His grace and courtesy.
What claim have we on this planet? What claim have we on this universe?
God owns everything. God owns heaven, and God owns everything under heaven. Our universe is under heaven. Our universe is vast, but heaven is infinitely larger.
We don't even know how large our universe is. We cannot know how large heaven is.
We can send satellites to the distant planets but at our present technology, sending a satellite to the nearest star, some four light-years away, would take well over 60,000 years, one way. That is if our satellites are traveling at 40,000 miles an hour. In order to reach the nearest star in 1000 years, we would have to travel 60 times faster, or at 2,400,000 miles an hour. And that technology is nowhere close.
And that is only the nearest star. Our own galaxy is far, far greater in distance, to get to the other side, or anywhere in the middle.
And as far as distant galaxies??? It is never going to happen. Man is not going to travel to the stars.
We probably have only a hundred or two-hundred years remaining in our dispensation (speculation of course). Satan has been bound to this earth, and so has man. So if we were to be able to travel to the nearest star, then our current technology would have to speed up things about five hundred times faster, each and every year, for the next century.
Will our speed of 40,000 miles an hour go to 20,000,000 miles an hour by next year, and faster still by the next year, increasing in speed by leaps and bounds each and every year thereafter. If travel speed does not increase in any given year, then that means that the speed just has to go up even faster in some future year.
Now, reason dictates that this is not going to happen. And that is what is required just to go, one way, to the nearest single star. As for the rest of the universe??? Well, man is bound to this planet and here our history will advance to its final conclusion.
God owns the universe. Man will never see all of his own planet, under the seas, much less our solar system. And by the way, does our solar system even have a name?
Hummm! The thoughts get deeper and deeper.
Man has no basis or grounds with which to challenge God. Man has no basis with which to question God.
This should be the end of the discussion, but since man is still extremely ignorant with respect to life, God has a few more things to teach us all.
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Job 41:11
11 Who hath prevented [qadam] me, that I should repay [shalam] him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven [shamayim] is mine. KJV-Interlinear
11 'Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine. NASB
When a hunter goes hunting, he does not go out with noise to make his presence known. He goes out with stealth. He tries to find his prey, and advance on him in quiet such that he can at the last moment, spring on the prey and capture or kill it with quickness. Overwhelming the prey with surprise such that it cannot run, or even think of an avenue of escape.
The hunt is over quickly and the hunter has his prize.
And that is what 'prevented' means.
Who has come up quickly upon God? Who has caught God by surprise? Who has caught God off guard? Who has come up with a scenario that God has not anticipated?
And here we have two concepts in our study. First, history is a contest between God and Satan. Second, history is a contest between God and man. God is so far ahead of Satan and man, that the contest is not between God and anyone, but with Satan or man competing against themselves to prove who is the dumber.
God, in humor, just sits on the sidelines so to speak, and watches as man and Satan come up with one plan, one scenario, one complaint, after another. And history is just that. Man and Satan come up with all sorts of ideas and proposals, and scenarios, trying to discredit God and prove themselves.
And in each case, God demonstrates His superior wisdom and mans superior stupidity.
So, who has come up with something, anything, such that God owes a response, a reply, an apology?
God owes us nothing. We are dust and nothing more. Anytime that God gives us an explanation, it is out of His grace and courtesy.
What claim have we on this planet? What claim have we on this universe?
God owns everything. God owns heaven, and God owns everything under heaven. Our universe is under heaven. Our universe is vast, but heaven is infinitely larger.
We don't even know how large our universe is. We cannot know how large heaven is.
We can send satellites to the distant planets but at our present technology, sending a satellite to the nearest star, some four light-years away, would take well over 60,000 years, one way. That is if our satellites are traveling at 40,000 miles an hour. In order to reach the nearest star in 1000 years, we would have to travel 60 times faster, or at 2,400,000 miles an hour. And that technology is nowhere close.
And that is only the nearest star. Our own galaxy is far, far greater in distance, to get to the other side, or anywhere in the middle.
And as far as distant galaxies??? It is never going to happen. Man is not going to travel to the stars.
We probably have only a hundred or two-hundred years remaining in our dispensation (speculation of course). Satan has been bound to this earth, and so has man. So if we were to be able to travel to the nearest star, then our current technology would have to speed up things about five hundred times faster, each and every year, for the next century.
Will our speed of 40,000 miles an hour go to 20,000,000 miles an hour by next year, and faster still by the next year, increasing in speed by leaps and bounds each and every year thereafter. If travel speed does not increase in any given year, then that means that the speed just has to go up even faster in some future year.
Now, reason dictates that this is not going to happen. And that is what is required just to go, one way, to the nearest single star. As for the rest of the universe??? Well, man is bound to this planet and here our history will advance to its final conclusion.
God owns the universe. Man will never see all of his own planet, under the seas, much less our solar system. And by the way, does our solar system even have a name?
Hummm! The thoughts get deeper and deeper.
Man has no basis or grounds with which to challenge God. Man has no basis with which to question God.
This should be the end of the discussion, but since man is still extremely ignorant with respect to life, God has a few more things to teach us all.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Job 41:9-10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 41:9-10
9 Behold, the hope [towcheleth] of him is in vain [kazab]: shall not one be cast down [tuwl] even at the sight [mar'eh] of him?
10 None is so fierce ['akzar] that dare stir him up [`uwr] [`uwr]: who then is able to stand [yatsab] before [paniym] me? KJV-Interlinear
9 'Behold, your expectation is false; Will you be laid low even at the sight of him? 10 'No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before Me? NASB
African crocodiles can get up to 24 feet (7.5 meters) in length and weight over 1700 pounds (771 kg). That is larger than two big SUV's end to end. Probably should have mentioned this earlier. If you were thinking about an alligator and all of those alligators wrestlers on television, then this should help make it clear as to what God is talking about.
No fool would dare attempt taking on this kind of croc. The saltwater croc's of northwestern Australia, or the crocs of the African jungles cannot be compared with the alligators of America. That would be like comparing an adult male lion to a pet house cat.
Would you take on a speeding freight train by standing in the middle of the tracks? Could you stop it? No.
And neither could you take on one of these huge crocodiles, or similar huge animals.
If you were out for a walk, and suddenly came around a corner and found yourself face to face with one of these, then you would be 'laid low,' as the verse states. Humbled to say the least. Would you try to wake him up if he were sleeping? No. You would slowly and quietly back away. Oh, and by the way, you cannot outrun one of these guys, unless you have a really good head start.
The toughest guy in the world would not be stupid enough to take on one of these.
Now, given that the crocodile is only an animal, and given that man has never been able to take on one of these huge creatures, hand-to-hand, then what possibilities are there for taking on God?
If a lightning bolt was traveling straight at your nose, could you hold up your hand and stop it?
If a rushing flood was coming right at you, could you holdup your hand and stop it?
If a storm was swirling around you, could you hold up your hand and subdue it?
Who would be so foolish as to try?
And yet most people live their lives without God in their lives. God who created us all, who holds all things together so that we at least have a continued existence. And where is the awe, the inspiration, the humility with respect to God and His plan for each of our lives?
We are at least smart enough to know that confrontation with a croc is not a wise move, but we do not seem to be smart enough to know that defining our own existence while disregarding God, is not a very smart approach to life.
Most of us will not face crocodiles in our life, but we will face unemployment, business downturns, economic problems, social problems, emotional problems, and each of these can be just as overwhelming as facing down a crocodile. Do we face them on our own terms, or do we call for assistance?
Do we take on life on our own, or do we use the many resources that are available to us in this world?
Well, is it any different in our spiritual life? God is far easier to contact than a loan broker, or a doctor, or some other person you might know. And God will look after, and care far more, for your interests, than all of the greedy leaches out there who just want to get you through the line and onto the next customer.
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Job 41:9-10
9 Behold, the hope [towcheleth] of him is in vain [kazab]: shall not one be cast down [tuwl] even at the sight [mar'eh] of him?
10 None is so fierce ['akzar] that dare stir him up [`uwr] [`uwr]: who then is able to stand [yatsab] before [paniym] me? KJV-Interlinear
9 'Behold, your expectation is false; Will you be laid low even at the sight of him? 10 'No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before Me? NASB
African crocodiles can get up to 24 feet (7.5 meters) in length and weight over 1700 pounds (771 kg). That is larger than two big SUV's end to end. Probably should have mentioned this earlier. If you were thinking about an alligator and all of those alligators wrestlers on television, then this should help make it clear as to what God is talking about.
No fool would dare attempt taking on this kind of croc. The saltwater croc's of northwestern Australia, or the crocs of the African jungles cannot be compared with the alligators of America. That would be like comparing an adult male lion to a pet house cat.
Would you take on a speeding freight train by standing in the middle of the tracks? Could you stop it? No.
And neither could you take on one of these huge crocodiles, or similar huge animals.
If you were out for a walk, and suddenly came around a corner and found yourself face to face with one of these, then you would be 'laid low,' as the verse states. Humbled to say the least. Would you try to wake him up if he were sleeping? No. You would slowly and quietly back away. Oh, and by the way, you cannot outrun one of these guys, unless you have a really good head start.
The toughest guy in the world would not be stupid enough to take on one of these.
Now, given that the crocodile is only an animal, and given that man has never been able to take on one of these huge creatures, hand-to-hand, then what possibilities are there for taking on God?
If a lightning bolt was traveling straight at your nose, could you hold up your hand and stop it?
If a rushing flood was coming right at you, could you holdup your hand and stop it?
If a storm was swirling around you, could you hold up your hand and subdue it?
Who would be so foolish as to try?
And yet most people live their lives without God in their lives. God who created us all, who holds all things together so that we at least have a continued existence. And where is the awe, the inspiration, the humility with respect to God and His plan for each of our lives?
We are at least smart enough to know that confrontation with a croc is not a wise move, but we do not seem to be smart enough to know that defining our own existence while disregarding God, is not a very smart approach to life.
Most of us will not face crocodiles in our life, but we will face unemployment, business downturns, economic problems, social problems, emotional problems, and each of these can be just as overwhelming as facing down a crocodile. Do we face them on our own terms, or do we call for assistance?
Do we take on life on our own, or do we use the many resources that are available to us in this world?
Well, is it any different in our spiritual life? God is far easier to contact than a loan broker, or a doctor, or some other person you might know. And God will look after, and care far more, for your interests, than all of the greedy leaches out there who just want to get you through the line and onto the next customer.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Job 41:6-8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 41:6-8
6 Shall the companions [chabbar] make a banquet [karah] of him? shall they part [chatsah] him among the merchants [Kana`aniy]?
7 Canst thou fill [male'] his skin [`owr] with barbed irons [sukkah]? or his head [ro'sh] with fish [dag] spears [tsalatsal]?
8 Lay [suwm] thine hand [kaph] upon him, remember [zakar] the battle [milchamah], do no more [yacaph]. KJV-Interlinear
6 'Will the traders bargain over him? Will they divide him among the merchants? 7 'Can you fill his skin with harpoons, Or his head with fishing spears? 8 'Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle; you will not do it again! NASB
Today we have many tools and techniques for catching and controlling wild animals, but back in Jobs day, any attempt to catch a huge crocodile, for example, would be a treacherous deal at best. Many a hunter was probably killed when confronted by a croc.
Even traders, or those who might bet on the outcome, could not divide the spoils. How can one divide up a crocodile that is looking you right in the eye.
The normal tools with which to hunt, a fishing hook, an arrow, even a spear would be useless against the crocodile or some large, powerful and ferocious animal. An animal that would just as soon eat you as look at you. Man means nothing to these beasts.
And something that you might want to remember if you happen to cross the path of a croc. If you decide to seize hold of him in a fight, then you had better be prepared to win the fight with your first attempt, otherwise, the outcome will not be in your favor. Remember it well, should you survive the fight, and learn your lesson for biting off something bigger than you can chew. You won't want to attempt it again.
And so God gives us all simple lessons on life.
Man cannot control his own environment. Man cannot control the weather. Man cannot control the lightning. Man cannot duplicate in nature, that which exists all around us. Even though man has been around for many thousands of years.
How can man possibly confront God, challenge God, question God, in any matter?
And yet people continue to ignore their spiritual life, which is fundamental to their entire existence.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:6-8
6 Shall the companions [chabbar] make a banquet [karah] of him? shall they part [chatsah] him among the merchants [Kana`aniy]?
7 Canst thou fill [male'] his skin [`owr] with barbed irons [sukkah]? or his head [ro'sh] with fish [dag] spears [tsalatsal]?
8 Lay [suwm] thine hand [kaph] upon him, remember [zakar] the battle [milchamah], do no more [yacaph]. KJV-Interlinear
6 'Will the traders bargain over him? Will they divide him among the merchants? 7 'Can you fill his skin with harpoons, Or his head with fishing spears? 8 'Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle; you will not do it again! NASB
Today we have many tools and techniques for catching and controlling wild animals, but back in Jobs day, any attempt to catch a huge crocodile, for example, would be a treacherous deal at best. Many a hunter was probably killed when confronted by a croc.
Even traders, or those who might bet on the outcome, could not divide the spoils. How can one divide up a crocodile that is looking you right in the eye.
The normal tools with which to hunt, a fishing hook, an arrow, even a spear would be useless against the crocodile or some large, powerful and ferocious animal. An animal that would just as soon eat you as look at you. Man means nothing to these beasts.
And something that you might want to remember if you happen to cross the path of a croc. If you decide to seize hold of him in a fight, then you had better be prepared to win the fight with your first attempt, otherwise, the outcome will not be in your favor. Remember it well, should you survive the fight, and learn your lesson for biting off something bigger than you can chew. You won't want to attempt it again.
And so God gives us all simple lessons on life.
Man cannot control his own environment. Man cannot control the weather. Man cannot control the lightning. Man cannot duplicate in nature, that which exists all around us. Even though man has been around for many thousands of years.
How can man possibly confront God, challenge God, question God, in any matter?
And yet people continue to ignore their spiritual life, which is fundamental to their entire existence.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Job 41:3-5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:3-5
3 Will he make many [rabah] supplications [tachanuwn] unto thee? will he speak [dabar] soft [rak] words unto thee?
4 Will he make [karath] a covenant [bariyth] with thee? wilt thou take [laqach] him for a servant [`ebed] for ever [`owlam]?
5 Wilt thou play [sachaq] with him as with a bird [tsippowr]? or wilt thou bind [qashar] him for thy maidens [na`arah]? KJV-Interlinear
3 'Will he make many supplications to you? Or will he speak to you soft words? 4 'Will he make a covenant with you? Will you take him for a servant forever? 5 'Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your maidens? NASB
If you were able to subdue the beast, would it humble itself and whisper soft and un-offending words to you as a slave would speak carefully to a master, so as not to annoy the master?
Will the beast, the leviathan, or crocodile or something similar, voluntarily submit himself to your service? Will he willingly and enthusiastically want to do your bidding?
Could you make him a gift to the females in your periphery, a pet that they could giggle and laugh with as they play? Would he be a pet that would willingly frolic to entertain? Would you be able to present him in a cage for the amusement of others, and have him sing and play for their enjoyment?
And of course the whole point of all of this is that God is able to accomplish these things.
In the Garden, all animal life was there for the pleasure of Adam and Eve. When sin entered the world, the whole nature of wildlife changed. And at the end of mans ruling age, when the Millennium begins, then God will simply command, and all wildlife will transform back to their peaceful and non-threatening, non-violent, non-dangerous way of life.
How is all of this accomplished? Did evolution have something to do with the pattern of animal behavior? No.
God is able to make changes instantly. Environment and time have no bearing on creation or behavior in these matters.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:3-5
3 Will he make many [rabah] supplications [tachanuwn] unto thee? will he speak [dabar] soft [rak] words unto thee?
4 Will he make [karath] a covenant [bariyth] with thee? wilt thou take [laqach] him for a servant [`ebed] for ever [`owlam]?
5 Wilt thou play [sachaq] with him as with a bird [tsippowr]? or wilt thou bind [qashar] him for thy maidens [na`arah]? KJV-Interlinear
3 'Will he make many supplications to you? Or will he speak to you soft words? 4 'Will he make a covenant with you? Will you take him for a servant forever? 5 'Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your maidens? NASB
If you were able to subdue the beast, would it humble itself and whisper soft and un-offending words to you as a slave would speak carefully to a master, so as not to annoy the master?
Will the beast, the leviathan, or crocodile or something similar, voluntarily submit himself to your service? Will he willingly and enthusiastically want to do your bidding?
Could you make him a gift to the females in your periphery, a pet that they could giggle and laugh with as they play? Would he be a pet that would willingly frolic to entertain? Would you be able to present him in a cage for the amusement of others, and have him sing and play for their enjoyment?
And of course the whole point of all of this is that God is able to accomplish these things.
In the Garden, all animal life was there for the pleasure of Adam and Eve. When sin entered the world, the whole nature of wildlife changed. And at the end of mans ruling age, when the Millennium begins, then God will simply command, and all wildlife will transform back to their peaceful and non-threatening, non-violent, non-dangerous way of life.
How is all of this accomplished? Did evolution have something to do with the pattern of animal behavior? No.
God is able to make changes instantly. Environment and time have no bearing on creation or behavior in these matters.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Job 41:1-2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:1-2
1 Canst thou draw out [mashak] leviathan [livyathan] with an hook [chakkah]? or his tongue [lashown] with a cord [chebel] which thou lettest down [shaqa`]?
2 Canst thou put [suwm] an hook ['agmown] into his nose ['aph]? or bore [naqab] his jaw [lachiy] through with a thorn [chowach]? KJV-Interlinear
1 'Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook? Or press down his tongue with a cord? 2 'Can you put a rope in his nose? Or pierce his jaw with a hook? NASB
Again, the Leviathan is a description of some sort of great fish or water animal, perhaps like a giant crocodile. This does not describe a single creature, but a category of dangerous creatures that are large and otherwise extremely difficult to catch let alone tame.
If we had a specific animal described, then as time went along, people would be tempted to call God on His claims, and in trying to capture a large animal, distort the whole point of this chapter.
In Jobs day, catching and taming, even making a large creature into a pet, was probably an impossible task. This gives the passage more meaning. And it makes it clearer that God alone is able to do these things, whereas man cannot.
In our current day, almost every type of creature has been captured and placed in zoos or aquariums and such. But the point here is not whether you can catch the fish, but whether you can build a relationship with it as one would with another person.
God possesses a unique relationship with all living things. Man has great difficulty in figuring out his own kind.
And so, is it possible to catch the giant beast, with a little fishhook? Is it possible to subdue the giant beasts mouth, under ones control? Can you lead the beast along on a leash as you would a pet dog, or restrain his mouth with a fastener (hook) as you would a horse with a bridle and bit?
And the answer to these questions is, 'No.'
And yes, you can find whales and dolphins and such as trained creatures in many water parks around the world, but these are not creatures of the wild nature such as the crocodile. When did you see someone walk up to a crocodile, pet it, saddle it, put on some reins, and ride it like a pet horse?
Man cannot accomplish these things, but God possesses the respect and admiration of animals such that all will pay attention when God speaks to them. That is the concept here. God possesses power over nature while man does not.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:1-2
1 Canst thou draw out [mashak] leviathan [livyathan] with an hook [chakkah]? or his tongue [lashown] with a cord [chebel] which thou lettest down [shaqa`]?
2 Canst thou put [suwm] an hook ['agmown] into his nose ['aph]? or bore [naqab] his jaw [lachiy] through with a thorn [chowach]? KJV-Interlinear
1 'Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook? Or press down his tongue with a cord? 2 'Can you put a rope in his nose? Or pierce his jaw with a hook? NASB
Again, the Leviathan is a description of some sort of great fish or water animal, perhaps like a giant crocodile. This does not describe a single creature, but a category of dangerous creatures that are large and otherwise extremely difficult to catch let alone tame.
If we had a specific animal described, then as time went along, people would be tempted to call God on His claims, and in trying to capture a large animal, distort the whole point of this chapter.
In Jobs day, catching and taming, even making a large creature into a pet, was probably an impossible task. This gives the passage more meaning. And it makes it clearer that God alone is able to do these things, whereas man cannot.
In our current day, almost every type of creature has been captured and placed in zoos or aquariums and such. But the point here is not whether you can catch the fish, but whether you can build a relationship with it as one would with another person.
God possesses a unique relationship with all living things. Man has great difficulty in figuring out his own kind.
And so, is it possible to catch the giant beast, with a little fishhook? Is it possible to subdue the giant beasts mouth, under ones control? Can you lead the beast along on a leash as you would a pet dog, or restrain his mouth with a fastener (hook) as you would a horse with a bridle and bit?
And the answer to these questions is, 'No.'
And yes, you can find whales and dolphins and such as trained creatures in many water parks around the world, but these are not creatures of the wild nature such as the crocodile. When did you see someone walk up to a crocodile, pet it, saddle it, put on some reins, and ride it like a pet horse?
Man cannot accomplish these things, but God possesses the respect and admiration of animals such that all will pay attention when God speaks to them. That is the concept here. God possesses power over nature while man does not.
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