Job 40:19 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

He is the chief of the ways of God. — This is surely more applicable to the elephant than the hippopotamus, considering the great intelligence and usefulness of the elephant. The last clause is very obscure. Some render, “He only that made him can bring his sword near unto him;” or, “He that made him hath furnished him with his sword.” Others, “He that would dress him (as meat) let him come near him with his sword!” indicating the inequality of the contest. Perhaps a combination of the first and last is best — “Let his Maker (but no one else venture to) approach him with His sword.”