This verse demonstrates God’s care for all life, showing His unmatched authority and kindness.
"Surely the mountains bring him food, And all the beasts of the field play there." (v.20) This verse continues the description of the behemoth—an awe-inspiring creature that God uses as an example of His untamed power (Job 40:15-24). The “mountains” here signify a broad, untamed wilderness, places often removed from human settlements yet teeming with resources. In the ancient world—likely around the time of the Patriarchs (circa 2100-1900 BC), when Job is believed to have lived—vast regions of mountainous terrain would have served as fertile feeding grounds for great beasts. Such places evoke both wonder and humility, reminding humanity that God’s design extends far beyond cultivated fields and bustling cities (Psalm 50:10).
When the text says, "Surely the mountains bring him food," (v.20) it underscores the idea that this mighty creature depends not on human care but on the natural resources God has placed in the world. Vegetation from remote hillsides, combined with the abundant ecosystem of the wilderness, meets this animal’s needs without any human intervention. The mention that "all the beasts of the field play there,” (v.20) conveys a peaceful yet formidable setting, where life thrives under God’s provision. These words reveal the extraordinary scope of the Creator’s nurturing hand, as He sustains life in every hidden nook of the earth.
Job stands before God stunned by such examples, recognizing that he, even in his righteous standing, cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of God’s ways (Job 42:1-3). By highlighting a creature at home in untamed regions, the discussion points forward to the truth that in Christ, all creation finds its ultimate coherence and purpose (Colossians 1:16-17), although humanity has been granted dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28). This behemoth’s strength, rooted in the wildness of the mountains, serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty reaches every corner of creation—far beyond human control.
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Job 40:20 meaning
"Surely the mountains bring him food, And all the beasts of the field play there." (v.20) This verse continues the description of the behemoth—an awe-inspiring creature that God uses as an example of His untamed power (Job 40:15-24). The “mountains” here signify a broad, untamed wilderness, places often removed from human settlements yet teeming with resources. In the ancient world—likely around the time of the Patriarchs (circa 2100-1900 BC), when Job is believed to have lived—vast regions of mountainous terrain would have served as fertile feeding grounds for great beasts. Such places evoke both wonder and humility, reminding humanity that God’s design extends far beyond cultivated fields and bustling cities (Psalm 50:10).
When the text says, "Surely the mountains bring him food," (v.20) it underscores the idea that this mighty creature depends not on human care but on the natural resources God has placed in the world. Vegetation from remote hillsides, combined with the abundant ecosystem of the wilderness, meets this animal’s needs without any human intervention. The mention that "all the beasts of the field play there,” (v.20) conveys a peaceful yet formidable setting, where life thrives under God’s provision. These words reveal the extraordinary scope of the Creator’s nurturing hand, as He sustains life in every hidden nook of the earth.
Job stands before God stunned by such examples, recognizing that he, even in his righteous standing, cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of God’s ways (Job 42:1-3). By highlighting a creature at home in untamed regions, the discussion points forward to the truth that in Christ, all creation finds its ultimate coherence and purpose (Colossians 1:16-17), although humanity has been granted dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28). This behemoth’s strength, rooted in the wildness of the mountains, serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty reaches every corner of creation—far beyond human control.