[1] And the LORD said to Job: [2] “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.” [3] Then Job answered the LORD: [4] “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. [5] I have spoken once, but I have no answer —twice, but I have nothing to add.” [6] Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: [7] “Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. [8] Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? [9] Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? [10] Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. [11] Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. [12] Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. [13] Bury them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. [14] Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can save you. [15] Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox. [16] See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly. [17] His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit. [18] His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron. [19] He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him. [20] The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby. [21] He lies under the lotus plants, hidden among the reeds of the marsh. [22] The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him. [23] Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth. [24] Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare?[’’]
