Topical Encyclopedia The term "creeping things" in the Bible is a general designation for a variety of small animals, often including reptiles, insects, and other creatures that move close to the ground. This term is used in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both the diversity of God's creation and the specific roles these creatures play within the biblical narrative.Creation and Classification In the account of creation found in Genesis, "creeping things" are mentioned as part of God's creative work on the sixth day. Genesis 1:24-25 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." Here, creeping things are recognized as a distinct category of terrestrial life, created by God and deemed good. Dietary Laws and Cleanliness The Mosaic Law provides specific instructions regarding creeping things, particularly in the context of dietary laws and ceremonial cleanliness. Leviticus 11:29-31 lists certain creeping things that are considered unclean: "Of the creatures that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the mole rat, the mouse, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. These are unclean for you among all the swarming things." The Israelites were prohibited from eating these creatures, and contact with them required purification rituals, underscoring the importance of holiness and separation from impurity. Symbolism and Imagery Creeping things are sometimes used symbolically in the Bible to convey themes of humility, insignificance, or even judgment. In Ezekiel 8:10 , the prophet describes a vision of idolatry in the temple, saying, "So I went in and looked, and I saw all kinds of crawling creatures and detestable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, engraved on the wall all around." Here, creeping things are associated with idolatry and corruption, serving as a visual representation of Israel's spiritual decline. Dominion and Stewardship The dominion mandate given to humanity in Genesis 1:28 includes authority over creeping things: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.'" This charge emphasizes humanity's responsibility to steward all of creation, including the smallest and most humble of creatures, reflecting God's sovereign order and care for all life. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, creeping things are depicted as integral parts of God's creation, subject to His laws and purposes. They serve as reminders of the diversity and complexity of life on earth, the importance of holiness, and the responsibility of humanity to exercise wise and faithful stewardship over all living things. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 1:26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 11:20-23,29-31,42 Psalm 104:20,25 Romans 1:23 Library Wide and Narrow Sense of the Word "Spirit. " Chapter i Chapter viii The Survival of the Fittest. Genesis Chapter vi Mosaic Cosmogony. On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men. The Second Theological Oration. The Draw-Net. Resources What is the Presbyterian Church, and what do Presbyterians believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Landmarkism? What is “Baptist Bride” theology? | GotQuestions.org What are some English words that have changed in meaning since the translation of the KJV? | GotQuestions.org Creeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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