What was the leviathan the Bible talks about?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible mentions a large sea-creature called the leviathan. The leviathan is described as large and very strong; it could only be tamed by God. Leviathan is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "twisted, coiled" and was a predator or "monster" that people actively tried to avoid. God used Leviathan to reveal His unparalleled power and wisdom to Job. Despite its strength, God demonstrated His supremacy by asserting control over Leviathan, displaying His authority over all creation. Psalms and Isaiah emphasize God's dominion over Leviathan, symbolizing His ultimate triumph over chaos and evil. Today, the leviathan reminds us of God's sovereignty amidst life's challenges, offering reassurance that His power transcends any obstacle we may face.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The word "leviathan" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "twisted, coiled," and the creature's name tells us something about its appearance.
• God used the leviathan to illuminate His own power and wisdom to Job. He called the leviathan "a creature without fear" because nothing on earth was its equal, and no man or beast could subdue or overpower leviathan (Job 41:33). It was untamable and terrifying (Job 41:25), and no weapon could pierce its mighty scales (Job 41:13, 15–17, 26, 28–29). The leviathan could break iron in pieces as easily as breaking straw (Job 41:27), and death awaited anyone who approached its mouth (Job 41:18–21).
• Despite the leviathan's great strength, God is greater: He rhetorically pointed out to Job that He could "play with [leviathan] as a bird" and "put him on a leash for your girls" (Job 41:5). The leviathan, as mighty as it was, would "make many pleas" to God and speak to him softly, asking God to make a covenant with him and take him on as a servant (Job 41:1–5). This illustration showed Job that God was far more powerful than the most powerful creature in Job's experience.
• If Job had not been aware of this creature, God's illustration would have made little sense, but Job clearly understood (Job 42:2–6).
• Psalm 74:14 highlights God's dominion and power over Leviathan as He is capable of crushing its heads. The act of giving Leviathan as food for the creatures of the wilderness also implies God's power over Leviathan that serves a purpose. Despite being a formidable creature, it is still subject to God's authority.
• Leviathan is described as one of God's creations in Psalm 104:26, formed to "play" in the sea. It portrays Leviathan not just as a fearsome creature but also as part of the natural world that God has made and sustains. Even seemingly chaotic or dangerous creatures have a place and purpose in God's creation.
• Isaiah 27:1 speaks of a future time when God will punish Leviathan, described as the "fleeing serpent" and the "twisting serpent." The imagery of slaying the dragon in the sea illustrates God’s definitive triumph over chaos and evil.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The leviathan is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Just as God used Leviathan to illustrate His supreme power and wisdom to Job, we are reminded that God remains sovereign over all creation. Despite the overwhelming nature of our problems, God's authority extends beyond any chaos or evil we face. The imagery of God crushing leviathan's heads in Psalm 74:14 signifies His power to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. God’s future promise to punish leviathan further assures us of God’s control over chaos and evil and encourages us that justice and good will prevail. No matter how insurmountable our struggles may seem, God's ultimate triumph and purpose prevail. Our faith is strengthened knowing that just as God demonstrated His supremacy through Leviathan in ancient times, He continues to guide and protect us today, offering hope and reassurance amid life's uncertainties.

UNDERSTAND

• Leviathan is depicted as a fearsome, untamable creature with impenetrable scales and a deadly presence.
• God uses Leviathan to demonstrate His supreme authority over all creation, showcasing His ability to control even the most powerful beings.
• References in Psalms and Isaiah emphasize God's dominion over Leviathan, highlighting His ultimate triumph over chaos and evil.

REFLECT

• How does the biblical depiction of Leviathan and God’s relationship to it challenge or encourage you?
• In what ways can understanding God's sovereignty over Leviathan bring comfort during times of turmoil?
• Reflect on God's control over Leviathan. How can this assurance help you face overwhelming obstacles?

ENGAGE

• Some have postulated that the leviathan was a crocodile, a whale or shark, or some similar creature that we see today. However, its name, the biblical descriptions, and the logic of God's argument to Job, suggests instead a giant sea-serpent of some kind, possibly a creature that terrorized the ancient world and is now extinct.
• How does God's sovereignty over Leviathan apply to how we respond to life’s challenges?
• Discuss the significance of Psalm 74:14 and Isaiah 27:1 in today's context. How do these passages inspire hope in God's triumph over chaos and evil?