The Behemoth is mentioned only once in Scripture, in Job 40:15–24. God describes it to Job as part of His demonstration of divine power and unmatched creative authority. The passage begins,
“Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you; He eats grass like an ox. See now, his strength is in his hips, and his power is in his stomach muscles. He moves his tail like a cedar…” (Job 40:15–17)
This creature is unlike any known animal. It is herbivorous (“eats grass like an ox”), yet possesses massive strength, particularly in its loins and belly. The mention of its tail being like a cedar is especially notable. Cedars are tall, thick trees. This comparison cannot reasonably apply to an elephant or hippopotamus, which have short, thin tails.
A Closer Look at the Details
God continues in Job 40:18–24, describing Behemoth’s bones like “beams of bronze” and “bars of iron,” and stating,
“He is the first of the ways of God; only He who made him can bring near His sword.”
Behemoth is presented as a colossal creature, unmatched in strength and position within the created order. It dwells peacefully under the lotus trees and remains unbothered by a raging river. This portrays both size and unshakable calm, a creature with no fear.
Was Behemoth a Dinosaur?
Many scholars and commentators throughout history tried to identify Behemoth as a known animal, suggesting it could be a hippopotamus or elephant. But these identifications fail under scrutiny, especially the tail comparison. The description aligns better with a long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur such as a sauropod. These dinosaurs were massive, had thick limbs, strong bellies, and large tails like cedars.
Further, the phrase “first of the ways of God” indicates a creature of extraordinary rank in the created order, fitting more with a dinosaur than any modern land animal. Job, who lived after the flood but before Moses, may have had firsthand knowledge of now-extinct creatures.
Creation and Coexistence
Behemoth was “made along with you,” as stated in Job 40:15. This suggests that man and Behemoth were contemporaries. This contradicts evolutionary claims that dinosaurs died millions of years before humans existed. From a biblical standpoint, all land animals were created on Day Six along with man (Genesis 1:24–26), supporting the idea that Behemoth was a living dinosaur in Job’s time.
God’s Purpose in the Behemoth
God did not describe Behemoth to stir curiosity about monsters. He was demonstrating His supremacy. In confronting Job’s questioning spirit, God brought forth the most impressive beasts to display His power. Behemoth, massive and untouchable, bows to no one but its Creator. Job 40:19 says,
“Only He who made him can bring near His sword.”
This statement magnifies the majesty of God. No man could subdue Behemoth, but God, as Creator, holds absolute control.
My Final Thoughts
The Behemoth is a witness to God’s power and creative might. Its size, strength, and behavior defy natural explanation through modern animals. Most consistent with its description is a massive dinosaur, likely a sauropod. More importantly, the Behemoth is a theological illustration: God alone is unmatched. He alone creates what man cannot control. The Behemoth is not just a creature of legend, but a real beast, given as testimony of the greatness of the Almighty.
