Creation and Purpose

In the biblical narrative, animals are introduced as part of God's creation. On the fifth and sixth days of creation, God created the animals, both those that inhabit the waters and those that dwell on land. Genesis 1:20-25 describes this process: "And God said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.' So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed, according to their kinds, and every bird of flight after its kind. And God saw that it was good."

Animals were created with a purpose, to fill the earth and to be fruitful and multiply. They were also given into the care of humanity, as seen in Genesis 1:26 : "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.'"

Role in the Biblical Narrative

Throughout the Bible, animals play significant roles in various narratives and teachings. They are often used symbolically to convey spiritual truths or moral lessons. For example, the serpent in Genesis 3 is a symbol of temptation and deceit, leading to the fall of man. In contrast, the lamb is frequently used as a symbol of innocence and sacrifice, most notably in the context of the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 and as a foreshadowing of Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29).

Animals are also involved in many of the miracles and parables of Jesus. In Matthew 17:27 , Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, which miraculously contains a coin to pay the temple tax. In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd seeking a lost sheep to illustrate God's love and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Dietary Laws and Sacrifices

In the Old Testament, specific dietary laws were given to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide detailed lists of animals that could and could not be consumed. These laws served to set the Israelites apart as God's chosen people and to promote health and holiness.

Animals were also central to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law. Various offerings, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, involved the sacrifice of animals such as bulls, goats, and lambs. These sacrifices were a means of atonement and worship, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Symbolism and Prophecy

Animals are frequently used symbolically in biblical prophecy. In the book of Daniel, various beasts represent kingdoms and empires (Daniel 7). Similarly, in the book of Revelation, animals and creatures are used to depict spiritual realities and future events. The lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle are seen around the throne of God, symbolizing different aspects of creation and divine attributes (Revelation 4:7).

Human-Animal Relationships

The Bible acknowledges the relationship between humans and animals, emphasizing stewardship and care. Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse highlights the moral responsibility humans have towards animals, reflecting God's care for all His creation.

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the value of animals while emphasizing the greater worth of human life. In Matthew 10:29-31 , He says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Eschatological Vision

The prophetic vision of the future includes a harmonious relationship between humans and animals. Isaiah 11:6-9 describes a time of peace in God's kingdom: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water." This vision reflects the restoration of creation to its intended harmony and peace.