To conservative Chrsitians, isnt it easier to decide that "the behemoth" was a hippo or something?

Question

rather than claiming it is a dinosaur.
The verse doesn't lose any of its meaning and you don't have to force the issue of dinosaurs living in the age of men. sounds win win to me.

Gravtol how to the orthodox Jews discuss this line?

Just maybe, it's a metaphor?

have you guys ever heard of hyperbole?

moogle, your answer is very interesting, do you have a source for that?

Answer 1

actually I was reading a book that said just that.

regardless I dont understand how it proves anything.

people in the Middle Ages swore that there were such things as dragons. We know now they did not exist.

as for Orthodox Jews naturally we have our fundamentalists (they are not as focal as fundamental Christians)

but by in large most Orthodox Jews either dont care about the issues such as evolution and age of the earth. Or they are supporters that Science is correct.

I happen to be a passionate supporter. The behemoth line like you said could very well be a hippo. A tail like a ceder could have a metaphorical line or simply over exaggerated.

Its late right now tomorrow I will get you my source.

Answer 2

Actually, its the way in which the verse is worded and the identification of certain aspects of ancient culture.

I have the verses listed below. One of the things you must understand when reading this verse is the use of the lotus plant in anceint literature. In the middle east and parts of the far east, the use of a lotus plant depicts death. The reason for this is that lotus plants were often found near grave yards, burial tombs, or other places where there was a lot of ... er ... dead things. The increased nutrients in the soil made it easier for them to grow.
Placing the lotus plant in the liturature means that the person or being thats being spoken of is dead and gone. In this case, the writer is very purposeful in pointing this, stating that the animal is surrounded or under the lotus plants twice.
This particular being is dead, and long gone.

The second thing of interest is the statement that the being ranks 'first among the creations of God.'
This is the only place in the bible that lists a different being as being foremost in rank above humans. The reason we see this as such is because of a common error in translating Chaldean into Hebrew.
It is very likely that the book of Job was first written in chaldean - like the book of Daniel - and then translated into hebrew later on. If we were to read the passage in hebrew, we would not get a statement that means that the animal ranks ABOVE man, but ranks BEFORE man. Meaning that this is a time statement. Possibly putting forth the idea that this particular being was roaming and ruling the area before we came around.

I don't know if I buy the second part of that as strongly as the first, but both hold a bit of weight. The first part is quite clear in its connotations however.

15 "Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. 16 What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly!
17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit. 18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron.
19 He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword. 20 The hills bring him their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby.
21 Under the lotus plants he lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh. 22 The lotuses conceal him in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround him.
23 When the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth.
24 Can anyone capture him by the eyes, [c]
or trap him and pierce his nose? - Book of Job

Answer 3

Only, the description in the Bible doesn't match a hippo. A hippo has a little skinny tail!

Job 40
15 "Look at the behemoth, [a]
which I made along with you
and which feeds on grass like an ox.

16 What strength he has in his loins,
what power in the muscles of his belly!

17 His tail [b] sways like a cedar;
the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.

Answer 4

I don't know what it was but didn't the Word say it had a tail like a cedar tree or some such? Hippo's don't have tails like cedar trees so it is much easier to assume it was a dinosaur than a hippo...better description for dinosaur.

Answer 5

Only if you believe a hippo has a tail like a cedar tree...

Job 40:15-19
"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; The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit. His bones are like beams of bronze, His ribs like bars of iron. He is the first of the ways of God; Only He who made him can bring near His sword.