In the Bible, wild beasts are often mentioned in various contexts, symbolizing both literal and metaphorical elements. They are depicted as part of God's creation, serving as instruments of His will, and sometimes as symbols of chaos and judgment.

Creation and Dominion

Wild beasts are first introduced in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:24-25 , God commands the earth to bring forth living creatures, including wild animals: "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 highlights the diversity and order of creation, with wild beasts being an integral part of the natural world.

Humans are 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, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.'" This dominion implies stewardship and responsibility towards all living creatures, including wild beasts.

Instruments of Judgment

Wild beasts are sometimes depicted as instruments of divine judgment. In Leviticus 26:22 , God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience: "I will send wild animals among you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle, and reduce your numbers until your roads lie desolate." Here, wild beasts serve as a tool of punishment, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 14:15 , God speaks of sending wild beasts as a form of judgment: "If I send wild beasts through the land and they bereave it so that it becomes desolate and no man may pass through because of the beasts." This use of wild animals underscores the power and sovereignty of God over creation and His ability to use it according to His purposes.

Symbolism and Prophecy

In prophetic literature, wild beasts often symbolize nations or powers that oppose God and His people. The book of Daniel contains visions of beasts representing empires. Daniel 7:3-7 describes four great beasts, each different from the others, coming up out of the sea. These beasts symbolize successive kingdoms, illustrating the tumultuous nature of human history and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

In the New Testament, the book of Revelation uses the imagery of wild beasts to depict opposition to God. Revelation 13:1-2 describes a beast rising out of the sea, symbolizing a powerful and blasphemous entity: "Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion." This imagery conveys the ferocity and danger of forces that stand against God's people.

Peace and Restoration

The Bible also envisions a future where harmony is restored between humans and wild beasts. In Isaiah 11:6-9 , a prophetic vision of peace is described: "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." This passage reflects the hope of a restored creation where the natural order is reconciled under God's reign.

In summary, wild beasts in the Bible serve multiple roles, from literal creatures within God's creation to symbols of judgment and opposition. They reflect the complexity of the natural world and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.