God asked Job question after question in chapter 41. At the end, chapter 42, Job had to concede and repent before the Lord for his ignorance and foolishness.

God used the imagery of the leviathan, which is thought to be a big fish, or like a big whale, and some even thought of it as a crocodile, to show Job that he is a finite being whose knowledge is limited.

In Chapter 41:1-34, the questions were meant to show Job’s helplessness to deal with the forces against him. It also illustrated that we cannot bargain or talk ourselves out of the troubles we face in life. If we think we can, we will only find trouble for ourselves. We are giving ourselves false hope.

Our limited knowledge cannot help us to overcome or win what we do not know or understand, the troubles we are going through. Trouble is like the thick and tough skin of a reptile spewing flames of fire at us. There is no way we can defend or overcome it.

Its strength is in its neck. It could not be budged by the mighty or any sharp weapons. It would break and bend all kinds of metal. No arrow can frighten or cause it to flee. No clubs or spears can harm or kill it. His belly cannot be hurt at all. The water is like boiling water after it has finished threshing, leaving behind only a white foam. It is the king of the sea.

Our trouble cannot be explained or defeated. It cannot be overcome like Job’s troubles. But he is like fighting against a strong and unbeatable foe. In other words, he cannot overcome or win over the “enemy,” the trouble against him. The description is not meant to frighten or discourage him. But it was to let Job know he is clueless and helpless as a finite person. It was also to help him see that he cannot comprehend what is happening with his finite mind.

As human beings, we are limited in our knowledge of God. Thus, he must continue to trust and depend on God now that God has revealed it to him. There are many things in life we do not have the answer to or can understand. We must recognize that we are finite beings and limited in our knowledge. Ask God to reveal them to us, and when He does, we must be humble enough to repent of our pride in thinking that we know everything.

In chapter 42:1-6, Job humbled himself and responded to God. He said he knows God can do all things. No one can thwart his plan or purpose. He also knows that God’s knowledge is hidden from him. It is why he did not know or understand. His knowledge is indeed limited.

He asked God to listen to his questions and give him the answers. He heard of God, but now he has seen Him. He acknowledged that he did not know or understand God’s ways and actions since they were revealed to him. Thus. Job repented of his foolishness and limitation as he acknowledged that he is a finite being.

Prayer:

Father, I acknowledge that as a finite being, I am limited in my knowledge of You and what You are doing in this world. Please give me faith to trust and walk with You when I cannot understand what is happening in my life or going on in this world.