Reaching the full meaning of God's Words (Part II)

With the present study we attempt the analysis of the composition of Jb 40,25 – 41,26. This text is connected to the previous one (Jb 40,6-20), strongly absorbed in the figure of Behemoth. The text focuses its attention on another enigmatic figure: Leviathan, that with the previous figure of Behemoth seem to be determined to express the absolute difference of God. The intention is to bring Job to another truth and knowledge of God’s ways. The composition in a sequence composed of three passages (40,25-41,3; 4-16; 17-26) establishes two different moments of this last challenge to Job: his inability to dominate Leviathan as God does and Job’s capability to recognize in himself, and in his own fulminations and arrogant claims, that they are in some way comparable to those of Leviathan, placing him among the children of the proud.