Topical Encyclopedia The concept of animal instinct is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, yet the Scriptures provide numerous insights into the behavior and nature of animals, which can be understood as instinctual. The Bible often uses animals to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons, reflecting a divine order in creation that includes the instinctual behavior of animals.Creation and Order In the Genesis account of creation, God creates animals and commands them to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:22). This command implies an inherent ability within animals to reproduce and thrive, suggesting an instinctual drive embedded by the Creator. The orderliness of creation, as described in Genesis, indicates that God endowed animals with instincts necessary for survival and propagation. Animal Behavior as a Lesson The Bible frequently uses animal behavior to teach humans about wisdom and folly. In Proverbs 6:6-8 , the ant is highlighted for its industrious nature: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." This passage suggests that the ant's instinctual behavior serves as a model of diligence and foresight. Similarly, in Job 39, God speaks to Job about the instinctual behaviors of various animals, such as the mountain goats, the wild donkey, and the ostrich. These descriptions emphasize the wisdom and power of God in creating creatures with specific instincts suited to their environments. Divine Providence and Instinct The Bible also reflects on God's providence in caring for His creation, including animals. 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?" This passage suggests that the instinctual behaviors of animals, such as birds finding food, are part of God's provision and care. Symbolism and Instinct Animals are often used symbolically in the Bible, with their instinctual traits serving as metaphors for human characteristics. For example, the serpent in Genesis 3 is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field" (Genesis 3:1), highlighting its instinctual craftiness. In contrast, the dove is often associated with peace and purity, as seen in the account of Noah's Ark (Genesis 8:11). Human Responsibility While animals operate largely on instinct, humans are called to exercise dominion and stewardship over them, as stated in Genesis 1:28 : "God blessed them and said, '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 crawls upon the earth.'" This dominion implies a responsibility to understand and respect the instincts of animals as part of God's creation. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly discuss the concept of animal instinct, it provides numerous examples and teachings that reflect an understanding of instinctual behavior as part of God's divine order and wisdom in creation. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 1:17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 1:3 Library The Creation of Terrestrial Animals. Whether Hope is in Dumb Animals? Whether Adam in the State of Innocence had Mastership Over the ... Whether Intention is Within the Competency of Irrational Animals? General Index On the End of Man The Lord Reigneth Whether Divination by Auguries, Omens, and by Like Observations of ... Desire to Please. Whether Choice is to be Found in Irrational Animals? Resources What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.orgDo animals sin? | GotQuestions.org Is it a sin to look at a woman's body? | GotQuestions.org Instinct: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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