There are a few stories in our Bible that are rarely quoted. One is that of the Leviathan. As a caution, it is always best to be careful about using “literal” interpretations. Parts of our Scriptures can be historical, allegorical, metaphorical, or symbolic in how they are to be used. We might begin by understanding who Leviathan is. Leviathan is a sea monster referenced in the Tanakh or the Old Testament. Its clearest description comes from the Book of Job 41:1–34. Other references can be found in Job 3:8, Psalm 74:14, Psalm 104:26, and Isaiah 27:1. The Bible describes this creature as a sea monster that is massive in size with a tail the size of a cedar tree. Its skin is composed of armor-like scales, giving it impenetrable skin. The Leviathan possesses two rows of sharp teeth. Not only does this creature have a strong body, but it can also spit fire from its mouth. To top off its fearful look, its eyes glow like the dawn. Given the lack of paleontological evidence for such a creature’s existence, how should we approach this peculiar commentary that has been inspired by God?
The Old Testament consistently portrays Leviathan as a powerful and fearsome creature. Metaphorically, this story may help us understand the problem of dealing with evil when all power and goodness are simultaneously ascribed to God. The question we seek to understand is why a good and powerful God allows evil and suffering in the world. Why does Leviathan exist? In Job, the Leviathan illustrates God’s power and the limitations of human understanding. In a broader sense, the Leviathan represents the enemies of our world and the forces of chaos that reign within it.
The fearsome nature of the Leviathan serves as a reminder of the consequences of embracing chaos and opposing God’s sovereignty. Isaiah starts by stating, “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? “(Isaiah 14:27)1NIV New International Version Translations . No one can stop or prevent God from accomplishing His divine will. The Apostle Paul adds, “One of you will say to me: ‘Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?’” (Romans 9:19). We are to trust in God’s sovereignty and protection. When we are aligned with His will, no force or power can successfully oppose us, not even the Leviathan!
Job 41 depicts the Leviathan as a formidable sea creature, symbolizing God’s supreme power and control over all creation. This underscores the limitless power of God and His reign over all beings, including the most terrifying ones. Isaiah 27:1 shows the Leviathan as a dragon-like snake, standing for Israel’s enemies. God promises to protect His people from all their enemies. It is God’s promise to us today!
(Psalm 74:14) – “was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.”
While the authorship of Psalm 74 is in dispute, generally it is considered one of the 12 psalms in the Bible attributed to Asaph. Asaph was a Levite musician. He was also designated by King David to fulfill the role of a seer, or prophet, within his royal court. The Psalm describes the death of a sea serpent, which is given as food to the Hebrews in the wilderness. It is meant to be a reminder of God’s provision for His people.
The Leviathan, as a metaphor, might also give us a hint about why God allows evil in our world. The scary Leviathan reminds us of what can happen if we choose chaos and go against God’s rules. How important is “free will” to you? We live in a world where we’re not forced to do anything by God. In God’s view, however, doing good is still more important than doing evil. What would our world be like if no one was free? It wouldn’t be a good place to live. Free will means that God lets His creatures choose how they live, even letting them freely choose Him. For free will to exist, God must create creatures that can be either good or evil. What people find hard to understand is why people choose evil over good! God is not choosing evil. He is in charge, and even the Leviathan will be no match. It is the people who choose to do evil.
It makes no sense to assign evil to God. He created free choice! The evil we hate so much exists because of humanity, not God. What did God do? He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die for our bad choices. Therefore, if we believe in Jesus, even with our free will and even when we make bad choices, we can look forward to eternity with God. Maybe we expect that God will just send down some fire and brimstone on evil and end it! We should rethink that prayer for sure. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). All of us would be targets!
“Hell is truth seen too late.” ~ Thomas Hobbes
Contemplations
- Can you identify instances in Scripture when it is being utilized in a historical, allegorical, metaphorical, or symbolic manner?
- Ideas to Explore: Have you looked up and found examples to help you understand God’s Word? Do you know how to read and interpret Parables? When you read a book like Job or Noah, how do you interpret it?
- If all Scripture is “God-Breathed,” how do you prioritize your research when you find it confusing?
- Ideas to Explore: The intention is not to treat Scripture literally, particularly when considering that the original text has been translated from Hebrew and Greek into various languages. The fact that God provided us with a comprehensive book, composed in many styles over millennia, serves a purpose. We need the entire book—every page, every word.
- If there was no free will, would evil still exist?
- Ideas to Explore: To have no free will would mean that something or someone like the Leviathan would enforce a single set of rules upon humanity. What type of society would that be like? Can you think of the benefits of free will? In some societies, such as Communism or Marxism, a central power removes free will. Does history support the idea that there would be no evil? Could you exist without free will or God in such a society?
- How will you use the story of Leviathan?
- Ideas to Explore: Does it help you understand why evil exists? Does it help you know your God better? Do you see how the entire Bible works together?
- 1NIV New International Version Translations