Job 40
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Job was a man who loved God. But something sad had happened. Job lost his sheep. He lost his house. He lost his children. Job was very sad. And his body hurt too.
Job cried and cried. He asked God, "Why? Why is this happening?" Job did not understand.
Then God came. God spoke to Job. And God said something surprising. God asked, "Job, are you God? Can you make the sun go up? Can you make the rain fall?"
Job listened. His mouth stayed closed. Job said softly, "No, God. I am small. I put my hand on my mouth. I will be quiet now."
Then God told about a very big animal. A huge animal! It was called Behemoth. God made it.
Behemoth had strong legs. Thick legs, like tree trunks. It ate grass, just like a cow. But it was much, much bigger. Its tail moved. Its bones were hard, like iron.
Behemoth drank from the river. Slurp, slurp. Big gulps! Nobody could catch that animal. Nobody. Only God.
God said, "Look, Job. I made this big animal. I take good care of it. I know everything about it."
What Does This Mean?
God is very big. And very strong. God knows things Job did not know. God made everything. The grass. The river. The huge animal. And God takes care of it all.
Job did not understand everything. But that was okay. Job could trust God. Because God is good. And God is strong.
The Common Thread
The Bible tells us: God is big, and we are small. That is not scary. That is safe!
Later, Jesus came. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus said, "Come to me. I will help you." Jesus knows all about us. Jesus loves us, even when we are sad. Just like God loved Job.
For You
Sometimes you feel sad. Maybe your toy broke. Maybe someone said something mean. Maybe you miss someone.
God is big. And God sees you. God knows your name. God made you. And God loves you. You may tell God everything. God listens.
You do not have to understand everything. You are little. And that is okay. God is your big, strong Father.
Look outside. Look at the trees. Look at a bird. Look at your own hand. God made all of it. And God made you.
Talk About It
What animal do you think is the biggest? Do you know who made that animal?
When you feel sad, who can you talk to?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are so big. You made everything. You made me too. Thank You, God. When I am sad, please help me. I love You.
Amen.
Questions about Job 40
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Job 40 about?
What does Job 40 say?
What does Job 40 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Job 40?
Why is Job 40 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Job doesn't admit he was wrong. He simply stops: "I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further." God has not yet explained a single thing about his suffering. But God has come near, and that changes what Job needs to say. Some questions get answered. Others get quieted by a Presence. Which do you need today?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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