Li-vi´uh-thuhn
A great, mythological monster. In Ugaritic mythology, Leviathan (appearing by the name Lothan) is one of the primeval sea monsters who battles against Baal. This mythological tradition is referenced in the Bible, where God appears as the victor over the sea monsters (Ps 74:13-14; Job 3:8; Job 26:12-13; Job 41:1-34; Ps 104:26). The references to God “playing” with Leviathan (Ps 104:26; Job 41:5) are explainable on the basis of God’s omnipotence, which reduces this mighty rebellious dragon to a plaything. The future and final destruction of Leviathan becomes a symbol in (Isa 27:1) for the death of the wicked, to be succeeded by the redemption of Israel (Isa 26:20-21, Isa 27:2-13).
