Topical Encyclopedia The Bible provides numerous insights into God's care for animals, reflecting His sovereignty and compassion over all creation. From the very beginning, Scripture affirms that animals are part of God's good creation. In Genesis 1:24-25 , God commands the earth to bring forth living creatures, and He sees that it is good. This foundational passage establishes the intrinsic value of animals within the created order.God's care for animals is further illustrated in His provision for their needs. In Psalm 104:10-11 , the psalmist declares, "He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains. They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst." This passage highlights God's provision of water, a basic necessity for life, demonstrating His concern for the well-being of all creatures. The book of Job also reflects on God's care for animals, emphasizing His wisdom and understanding in their creation and sustenance. Job 38:39-41 poses rhetorical questions from God, asking, "Can you hunt the prey for the lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?" These verses underscore God's active role in providing for the needs of animals, even those that are wild and untamed. In the teachings of Jesus, God's care for animals is used as an illustration of His greater care for humanity. In Matthew 6:26 , Jesus says, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Here, the provision for birds serves as a reminder of God's attentive care for all His creation, assuring believers of their worth and His provision for their needs. The Mosaic Law also reflects God's concern for animals, incorporating principles of kindness and rest. In Exodus 23:12 , the law commands, "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the foreign resident may be refreshed." This commandment not only provides rest for humans but also extends Sabbath rest to animals, acknowledging their need for recuperation. Proverbs 12:10 further emphasizes righteous treatment of animals, stating, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This proverb highlights the moral responsibility of humans to care for animals, reflecting God's own care and compassion. Throughout Scripture, God's care for animals is evident in His creation, provision, and laws. These biblical teachings reveal a God who values all life and calls His people to reflect His character in their treatment of animals. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 9:9,10And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 25:4 Job 38:41 Psalm 36:6 Psalm 104:11,21 Psalm 147:9 Jonah 4:11 Matthew 6:26 Matthew 10:29 Luke 12:6,24 1 Corinthians 9:9 Library Whether all Things are under Divine Providence From the Creation to the Fall. A Whitsun Sermon This ChapterTreats of the Beauty and Dignity of Our Souls and ... Recapitulation of Former Exhortations. ... Nevertheless one who Regards Only the Dissolution of the Body is ... The Work of God's Spirit "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " Preface. Human Nature (Septuagesima Sunday. ) Resources Do animals sin? | GotQuestions.orgDo pets / animals go to Heaven? Do pets / animals have souls / spirits? | GotQuestions.org How does the fact that there are gay/homosexual animals impact the idea that homosexuality is a sin? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Animals: Cruelty to Houghing Horses Animals: Instruments of God's Will Animals: Kindness to Jacob, in Erecting Booths for his Cattle Animals: Kindness to People of Gerar, in Providing Tents for Cattle Animals: Ordained As Food for Man Animals: Suffer Under Divine Judgments, Sent Upon Man Animals: Suffered the Plagues of Egypt Animals: Two of Every Sort Preserved in the Ark Pack Animals used for Transporting Army Supplies Select Readings: The Animals of the Field Related Terms |