God Fishing for Leviathan with Christ as Bait

This drawing is from a 12th century manuscript, Hortus Deliciarum (The Garden of Delights), compiled by Herrad of Landsberg. God uses Jesus ChristÔÇÖs human nature as bait to fish for the sea monster, Leviathan. The fishing line is comprised of several patriarchs and prophets, resembling a Jesse Tree. Jesus Christ positioned at the end of the hook is crucified on the cross, which serves as bait that Leviathan is to swallow, his jaw pierced by the hook. For centuries, traditional Christian exegesis has understood the story of Job as a prefiguring of Christ, who suffers and is redeemed.