1And Yahweh answered Job and said:
2“Will one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who reproves God answer it.”
3And Job answered Yahweh and said:
4“Look, I am of little account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand over my mouth.
5Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; twice, and I will do so no more.”
6Then Yahweh answered Job out of the storm and said:
7“Gird up your loins now like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.
8Would you actually annul my justice? Would you condemn me so that you may be justified?
9Do you have an arm like God’s, and can you thunder with a voice like his?
10Adorn yourself now with majesty and loftiness; clothe yourself in splendor and glory.
11Scatter the overflowings of your wrath; look on everyone proud and bring him low.
12Look on everyone proud and humble him; tread down the wicked where they stand.
13Hide them in the dust together; bind their faces in the hidden place.
14Then I myself will acknowledge you, that your own right hand can save you.
15Look now at Behemoth, which I made just as I made you; it eats grass like the ox.
16Look now, its strength is in its loins, and its power in the muscles of its belly.
17It stiffens its tail like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are knit together.
18Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like bars of iron.
19It is the first of God’s ways; the one who made it can bring near its sword.
20For the mountains bring forth food for it, where all the beasts of the field play.
21Under the lotus plants it lies down, in the covert of reed and marsh.
22The lotus plants cover it with their shade; the willows of the wadi surround it.
23Look, if a river rages, it does not panic; it is confident though a Jordan should burst against its mouth.
24Can one take it by its eyes, or pierce its nose with snares?
25Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook, or press down its tongue with a cord?
26Can you put a rope in its nose, or pierce its jaw with a hook?
27Will it multiply pleas to you, or speak soft words to you?
28Will it make a covenant with you, that you should take it as a servant forever?
29Will you play with it as with a bird, or leash it for your girls?
30Will the traders bargain over it? Will they divide it up among the merchants?
31Can you fill his hide with harpoons, or his head with fishing spears?
32Lay your hand on him — remember the battle; you will not do it again.
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