Background

=Leviathan Background Information=

//The Leviathan// was written by the English Philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1651. Hobbes lived from 1588-1679, and was one of the first enlightened philosophers. His ideas about state and government were later built upon by other philosphers, such as John Locke. The name "Leviathan" comes from a sea monster described in the the Hebrew Bible (also the Old Testament of the Christian Bible). It is refrenced many times, in the book of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah. The Hebrew Talmud, and other rabaanic discussions pertaining to the Torah, provide more depth and backround about the Leviathan; they include its creation and birth, also the more examples of what the beast is like.

Isaiah 27:1: //"In that day the LORD with His severe sword, great and strong, Will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea."//

This scripture verse refers to how God will punish the beast, which has an allegorical relation to the people of the world, or as Hobbes used it in the Leviathan, the commonwealth. Using this symbol, the text says that God will punish the commonwealth if it strays from protecting the individual. So, Hobbes used the Leviathan as the name for his piece on government and society.

Book of Job 41:1-34 //"Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook or tie down his tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? ...Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears?"//

This quote refers to the power of the leviathan, that it is impossible to catch or tie down; to defeat. This symbolizes how the people are impossible to defeat, and truly hold the power in society. If the government harshly treats or rules unjustly, the leviathan-like people will commit mob rule which leads to downfall of order and society.