Leviathan

Josh Garrels' song 'Leviathan' delves into the profound themes of human vulnerability, divine sovereignty, and the trials that test our faith. The lyrics open with a poignant admission of the fragility of human efforts and love. The repeated lines 'All my love, all I’ve done / Falls apart, is undone' suggest a sense of futility and the transient nature of human achievements. The imagery of building a tower only to have it torn down by a higher power underscores the idea that human endeavors are ultimately subject to divine will.

The song then shifts to a contemplation of strength and weakness, juxtaposing human frailty with divine omnipotence. The reference to Leviathan, a mythical sea creature often symbolizing chaos and untamable power in biblical literature, serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming challenges and forces that humans cannot control. The line 'Who can tame Leviathan?' implies that only a higher power, represented by Yahweh, has the authority and strength to govern such forces. This is further emphasized by the mention of Sheol, the abode of the dead, singing a 'lonely song,' which evokes a sense of existential isolation and the ultimate powerlessness of human beings in the face of death and the unknown.

The concluding lines bring the focus to the nature of divine testing and the human response to suffering. 'Yahweh gives and takes away / Will you curse or bless the name?' alludes to the biblical story of Job, who remained faithful despite immense suffering. This rhetorical question challenges listeners to reflect on their own faith and resilience when faced with trials. The metaphor of trial as a flame that tests us suggests purification and the potential for growth through adversity. Garrels' song thus invites a deep introspection on the interplay between human limitations, divine power, and the transformative potential of suffering.