Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the term "beasts" encompasses a wide range of animals, both wild and domesticated, that inhabit the earth. These creatures are not only part of God's creation but are also subjects of His providential care and concern. The Bible provides numerous insights into how God regards these animals, reflecting His sovereignty, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all creation.Creation and Dominion The account of creation in Genesis establishes the foundational relationship between God, humanity, and the animal kingdom. On the sixth day, God created the beasts of the earth, each according to its kind, and declared them good (Genesis 1:24-25). Humanity was given dominion over these creatures, as stated 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 and the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.'" This dominion implies stewardship and responsibility, reflecting God's care for all His creation. God's Provision and Care Scripture frequently highlights God's provision for the needs of animals. In Psalm 104:14-15, the psalmist praises God for providing grass for the cattle and plants for people to cultivate, illustrating the divine order and sustenance of life. Similarly, in Job 38:41, God rhetorically asks, "Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?" This passage underscores God's attentive care for even the most seemingly insignificant creatures. The Covenant with Noah Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, his descendants, and "every living creature" that was with him—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals (Genesis 9:9-10). This covenant signifies God's enduring commitment to the preservation and well-being of all living beings, not just humanity. It serves as a reminder of the value God places on the entirety of His creation. The Sabbath and Rest for Animals The Mosaic Law further reflects God's concern for animals through the institution of the Sabbath. In Exodus 20:10, the commandment to rest on the seventh day extends to one's livestock, ensuring that animals, too, benefit from a day of rest. This provision highlights the compassionate nature of God's law, which encompasses all creatures under human care. God's Sovereignty and the Animal Kingdom The book of Jonah provides a unique perspective on God's care for animals. When Jonah laments the sparing of Nineveh, God responds by expressing His concern for the great city, which includes "many animals" (Jonah 4:11). This passage reveals that God's mercy and compassion extend beyond human beings to include the animal kingdom. Symbolism and Lessons Throughout the Bible, animals often serve as symbols and teaching tools. For instance, Jesus uses the example of sparrows to illustrate God's meticulous care, stating, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God" (Luke 12:6). This teaching reassures believers of their value in God's eyes, while simultaneously affirming His care for all creatures. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of beasts as subjects of God's care emphasizes the Creator's comprehensive concern for His creation. From the initial act of creation to the laws governing Israelite society, and through the teachings of Jesus, the Bible consistently affirms that animals are integral to God's divine plan and recipients of His providential care. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 36:6Your righteousness is like the great mountains; your judgments are a great deep: O LORD, you preserve man and beast. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:10,11 Library Index of Subjects. "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " The Songs of the Fugitive. The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good ... The Judicial Retribution of These Migrations Refuted with Raillery ... Judging, Asking, and Giving Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading. Of the First Covenant Made with Man Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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