Topical Encyclopedia The Bible presents a comprehensive view of God's sovereignty over all creation, including animals. From the very beginning, Scripture affirms that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, exercising authority and control over the animal kingdom.Creation and Dominion In the Genesis account, God creates animals and grants humanity dominion over them. Genesis 1:24-26 states, "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.'" This passage highlights God's creative power and His delegation of authority to humans to steward and manage the animal world. However, this dominion is not absolute but is exercised under God's ultimate control and purpose. God's Provision and Care The Bible frequently illustrates God's care for animals, emphasizing His provision for their needs. In Psalm 104:27-28 , it is written, "All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things." This passage underscores God's role as the provider for all living beings, ensuring their sustenance and well-being. Similarly, Jesus, in His teachings, points to God's care for animals as a demonstration 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?" God's Control in Judgment and Deliverance Throughout Scripture, God uses animals as instruments of His judgment and deliverance, further illustrating His control over them. In the account of Noah's Ark, God commands the animals to enter the ark to preserve them from the flood (Genesis 7:8-9). This event demonstrates God's authority in orchestrating the survival of species according to His divine plan. In the narrative of Jonah, God appoints a great fish to swallow Jonah, thereby saving him from drowning (Jonah 1:17). This act of divine intervention highlights God's ability to direct animals to fulfill His purposes. Symbolism and Prophecy Animals are often used symbolically in biblical prophecy to convey messages about God's control over nations and events. In the book of Daniel, various beasts represent empires and kingdoms, illustrating God's sovereignty over human history (Daniel 7:3-7). These symbolic representations serve as reminders of God's ultimate authority over all creation, including the rise and fall of earthly powers. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently affirms God's control over animals, reflecting His sovereignty, provision, and purpose in creation. Through His interactions with the animal kingdom, God reveals His character and His overarching plan for the world. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 91:13You shall tread on the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shall you trample under feet. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 11:6,8 Isaiah 35:9 Luke 10:19 Library Whether Temperance is Only About Desires and Pleasures of Touch? Chapter xv Rome, Socinus, Arminius, Calvin. Index. The Sacrifice of the Body Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors. Nicodemus. Letter ii. Basil to Gregory. 1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me... But after this Investigation of his Assertions, as if his Object ... Resources What does it mean that God gave humanity dominion over the animals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that a righteous person cares for the needs of animals (Proverbs 12:10)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about Christians hunting animals for sport? | 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 |
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