Job 40: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Job 40 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Job chapter 40, God continues His response to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging him further to consider the limits of human wisdom and strength compared to divine power and authority. God begins by confronting Job directly, asking if Job truly wishes to contend with the Almighty and if he is able to justify, criticize, or instruct the Creator. Job responds with humility, acknowledging his insignificance and deciding to remain silent. The chapter proceeds with God inviting Job to consider His creation, specifically pointing to the Behemoth, a powerful and majestic creature. God describes this animal in detail, highlighting its immense strength and indomitable nature, ultimately pointing to God's unmatched creative prowess and sovereignty.

Key verse

“Then Job answered Yahweh, “Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.”
Job 40:3-4 (WEB)

Outline

Job 40:1–2 God's Challenge to Job
Job 40:3–5 Job's Humility
Job 40:6–8 God's Authority Questioned
Job 40:9–14 God's Sovereign Power
Job 40:15–24 The Behemoth Described

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh ask Job about contending with the Almighty?
In v15, what creature does God ask Job to consider?
Yahweh's challenge in vv. 8-9: what does it imply about Job's ability to judge God?
The description of Behemoth in vv. 17-19: what does it suggest about God's creative power?
When have you felt small in response to God's power, as Job does in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Job 40: Proverbs 29, Job 9, Job 38.

Before next time: read Job 41.