Job 41: Group Study Handout

Overview

Job chapter 41 continues the divine discourse where God emphasizes His omnipotence and the limitations of human power. The focus in this chapter is the Leviathan, a mythical sea creature, described in awe-inspiring terms that underscore its invincibility to human capture or control. God's detailed portrayal of Leviathan serves to remind Job of the vast difference between divine and human capacities.

Key verse

“Can you draw out Leviathan with a fish hook, or press down his tongue with a cord?”

Job 41:1 (WEB)

Outline

1. Job 41:1–8 God's Challenge about Leviathan
2. Job 41:9–18 Leviathan's Fearsome Nature
3. Job 41:19–30 Unmatched Strength and Might
4. Job 41:31–34 Leviathan's Dominance on Earth

Discussion questions

1. In v6, who is mentioned as potentially trading for Leviathan?
2. What does the description of Leviathan in vv. 18-21 tell us about its power?
3. In v10, what does God imply about human strength compared to His?
4. In v33, what is meant by saying there is no equal to Leviathan on earth?
5. When have you faced a challenge that felt as daunting as Leviathan's power in this chapter?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Job 41: Psalm 24, Romans 11, Job 3.

Before next time: read Job 42.