Topical Bible: Beasts: Found in Fields

◄ Beasts: Found in Fields ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, "beasts found in fields" often refers to the various animals that inhabit the agricultural and pastoral landscapes of the ancient Near East. These creatures are frequently mentioned in Scripture, serving as symbols, tools of divine instruction, or elements of the natural order established by God.

Creation and Dominion

The Book of Genesis introduces the concept of beasts in the fields as part of God's creation. On the sixth day, God created the land animals, including those that would inhabit the fields. 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." This passage underscores the diversity and abundance of life that God intended for the earth, including the fields.

God granted humanity dominion over these creatures, as seen in Genesis 1:28 : "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 dominion implies a responsibility to steward and care for the animals, including those found in fields.

Symbolism and Instruction

Throughout the Bible, beasts in the fields are often used symbolically to convey spiritual truths or moral lessons. For instance, in the Book of Proverbs, the ant is highlighted as an example of diligence and foresight. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "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."

Similarly, the ox is frequently mentioned in the context of labor and provision. Deuteronomy 25:4 instructs, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," emphasizing the principle of fair treatment and reward for labor.

Divine Provision and Judgment

Beasts in the fields also serve as instruments of God's provision and judgment. In the Psalms, the psalmist acknowledges God's care for all creatures, including those in the fields. Psalm 104:14 declares, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth."

Conversely, the presence or absence of beasts can signify divine judgment or blessing. In the prophetic literature, the desolation of fields and the absence of animals often symbolize God's judgment upon a nation. For example, in Jeremiah 12:4 , the prophet laments, "How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it, the beasts and birds have been swept away."

Eschatological Imagery

In eschatological passages, the imagery of beasts in the fields is sometimes used to depict the restoration and peace of the Messianic age. Isaiah 11:6-7 envisions a harmonious creation: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened steer will be 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."

This prophetic vision reflects the ultimate reconciliation and peace that will characterize the new creation, where the natural order is restored, and all creatures live in harmony under God's reign.

Practical Implications

For the people of biblical times, beasts in the fields were integral to daily life, providing labor, food, and clothing. The Law of Moses contains numerous regulations concerning the treatment of animals, reflecting God's concern for their welfare and the ethical responsibilities of His people. These laws underscore the importance of compassion and justice in all aspects of life, including the treatment of animals.

In summary, beasts found in fields are woven throughout the biblical narrative, serving as symbols of God's creative power, instruments of His provision and judgment, and reminders of humanity's responsibility to steward creation faithfully.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 7:22
And the LORD your God will put out those nations before you by little and little: you may not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase on you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joel 2:22
Be not afraid, you beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree bears her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Being About to Prove that the Will, the Calling...
... wood disturbed by the running of wild beasts, and shaken with the roaring of animals,
but that wood of which it is written: "We found it in the fields of the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x being about to.htm

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
... The most populous cities were his favourite fields, and already ... He had not been found,
probably had not been ... had to face more ferocious 'wild beasts' than if a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fight with wild beasts.htm

The Story of David
... sheep he had often to defend them from wild beasts. ... boy had done his duty faithfully
in the fields on the ... the great opportunity had come and found him ready. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Angels of the Advent.
... Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem they found it full ... that the flocks kept in the
Bethlehem fields were for ... a fire of brushwood to keep the beasts away, perhaps ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter i the angels of.htm

Daily Bread.
... his brethren, was precisely similar to the produce of your own fields. ... is no trace
of corn to be found in the ... run among the hills, where all the beasts of the ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxii daily bread.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Lamentation of all ...
... the rivers and the cattle in the fields as well ... the beasts are consumed, and the
birds; because they said ... passage in which the above statement is found""For I ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/viii the redeemers return is.htm

Questions which Ought to be Asked
... Have you gone abroad through the various fields of nature ... The beasts obey their God,
and bow their necks to man ... with Jesus Christ, and you have found your Creator ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/questions which ought to be.htm

Life in the Villages
... and how they picked the cotton in the fields, spun and ... what a common thing it is
for wild beasts, wolves or ... little mangled body in her arms, she found that the ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter v life in the.htm

The Life Story of Pastor Wang
... On our first arrival we found him already in charge ... He tells how he walked between
the poppy fields and heard ... and of the raids of wild beasts, the inhabitants ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xiii the life story.htm

The Survival of the Fittest.
... and household; Cattle of the field, beasts of the ... of intellect, however important
in many fields of activity ... such cases perhaps be more often found than now? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study iv the survival of.htm