Job 41:27

He esteemeth iron as straw, and brasse as rotten wood. Job 41:27 (KJV)

The book of Job is a poetic account that explores the theme of suffering and the sovereignty of God. Job, a righteous man, goes through intense trials and suffers greatly. In chapter 41, God responds to Job’s questioning and showcases His power and wisdom through the description of the Leviathan, a symbolic sea creature.

The Leviathan described in this chapter is a mighty creature, often associated with chaos and untamable power. It represents the forces of evil and is used metaphorically to emphasize the greatness of God and His dominion over creation.

In Job 41:28, it is stated that the Leviathan “regardeth iron as straw.” This phrase implies that the Leviathan considers iron, which is typically strong and durable, as something weak and insignificant. It highlights the immense strength of the creature and its ability to overpower even the strongest materials known to man.

The verse continues, saying the Leviathan regards brass as rotten wood. Brass, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, is compared to rotten or decaying wood. Again, this emphasizes the Leviathan’s power to render even the most robust materials useless and insignificant.

Through these comparisons, God emphasizes His supreme power and authority over creation. The Leviathan, being a creature of great strength, regards materials that humans consider strong and valuable as insignificant and weak. This illustration serves to remind Job and the readers of the book that no matter how strong or valuable something may seem in the human realm, it pales in comparison to the power and authority of God.