It is somewhat surprising that here, in the midst of all these creatures, suddenly ships are introduced. No, God did not create ships; it was man who discovered that water is able to carry their vessels. But behind this lies the order that the Creator has set from the beginning. The order remains the same as long as earth and sea remain.
But look, there goes the Leviathan. What kind of animal could this be? We do not know exactly, though the Hebrew word livyatan gives us some indication. This word is derived from a word which means, to wind, to turn.
Thus, it is about a huge animal in the sea that turns itself in the water. The water swirls and seethes. Because of his powerful movements, the water splashes up meters high. Therefore, it is possible to think with leviathan
of a whale. All other creatures must watch out for this huge animal. If you want to stay alive, do not come too close to it.
But the leviathan itself is completely at home in the water. It enjoys playing in the turbulent waves and the powerful currents of the sea. It can overpower them. Also this giant of the seas has received his own place in the immense oceans. Once again, this animal is a striking example of God’s might in creation and of his wisdom. The same idea resonates in Job 41:1–25.
There are quite a few translations which say that this animal was created by the Lord to play with. This animal that no man can tame is just a toy for the Creator. But, looking at the Hebrew, there is quite a bit to argue against that view. One can also pose the question if this suggestion is even fitting for the Lord?
This verse does show how mighty the Creator is. He stands above all these enormous animals. This is also true for Jesus, for, after all, of him we read in Mark 1:13: He was [living] with the wild animals.
26 There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.