איוב, פרק מ״א, פסוק י״ח

The sheer physical power and impenetrable skin of the Leviathan render any human attempt at combat entirely pointless. Traditional weapons of war lose all their effectiveness against this creature. If a brave warrior manages to get close enough to strike the beast with a sword, the primary approach among commentators is that the effort ends in physical failure. The blade cannot pierce the creature's tough exterior and will simply shatter upon impact [רש״י, רלב״ג, רמב״ן, תקות אנוש]. Alternatively, this helplessness is viewed as psychological rather than physical. The sheer terror of facing the Leviathan paralyzes the attacker, causing his hands to go slack so that he cannot even lift his weapon [אלשיך].

This absolute futility extends to a variety of other destructive tools brought into the battle [מצודת ציון, רלב״ג, מלבי״ם]. One such weapon is understood in several ways. It may be a massive, heavy spear similar to the one carried by Goliath, requiring great strength just to hold [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others describe it as a javelin meant to be thrown from a distance [רמב״ן], or a standard spear that soldiers routinely carry on military campaigns [אבן עזרא, תקות אנוש]. Taking a different approach, some suggest this item is not a spear at all, but rather a colossal, solid stone that is so heavy it requires a team of people just to move it into position [רש״י, רמב״ן, תקות אנוש].

Beyond offensive weapons, defensive gear also proves useless. Most commentators agree that the warrior's personal armor offers no real protection and will not save him from the creature's wrath [רש״י, רמב״ן, תקות אנוש, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, a differing view proposes that this final piece of equipment is actually just another type of offensive weapon, rather than a suit of armor [אבן עזרא].