Behemoth

BEHEMOTH. Job speaks of an Animal, Job ix. 10. בהמותwhich he calls Behemoth, the particular properties whereof are described at large by him. Bochart has taken a great deal of pains to make it appear, that it is the Hippopotamus, or River-horse. Sanctius thinks it to be an Ox. The Fathers suppose the Devil to be meant by it; but we agree with the generality of Interpreters in their opinion, that it is the Elephant. Behemoth in Hebrew signifies Beasts in general, particularly the larger kind of animals, which are fit for service. The Rabbins tell us, that Behemoth is the largest four-footed creature that God has created; that in the beginning he made two, male and female; the female he killed and salted, to reserve it as an entertainment for the Elect, whenever the Messiah shall come: the male is still living, but when this time comes, God will kill it, and give it to the Israelites, who shall then rise from the dead. They are so fully convinced of these extravagancies, that they often swear by the share they are to have of Behemoth.

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