Animals of the Bible
Animals of the Bible
ANIMALS OF THE BIBLE
This Book is in the Public Domain.
The Bible shows a vital interest in every aspect of nature.
However, it tends to look upon nature more in terms of how mankind experiences it than in terms of scientific interest. Furthermore, the Bible frequently draws spiritual lessons from its observations. God created all things; He is also concerned for His creation. Not even a common sparrow falls to the ground without His notice (Mat 10:29).
Scores of specific animals are named in the Bible. But many of these names are simply the educated guesses of translators. In some cases, the meaning is obvious to translators, and in others the passage gives helpful clues. But other passages offer no clue at all to which specific animals are intended. In those cases, the meaning of animal names has been lost.
This problem is complicated by the fact that the animal life of Palestine has changed over the centuries. One naturalist claimed that it was impossible that certain passages of Scripture could really mean lion; no lions lived in the Holy Land with which he was familiar. But, as is true in many areas of the world, some animals of the biblical world have since become extinct. To make matters even more complicated, over the centuries the words used to describe certain animals have changed. Scholars who have done much work in the language of the Bible and have studied the evidence from archaeology are not always clear or final in their conclusions. When a single term has as many as ten possible meanings, it is no wonder that different names are given for the same animals in different translations of the Bible.
The Bible classifies animals quite broadly. Sometimes its terms are unfamiliar to modern ears. For instance, (Gen 1:28) divides animal life into fish fowl, and living things. The words flesh and beast often imply animal life in general. Beast also refers to wildlife, in contrast to cattle, which means the domesticated animals (sheep, goats, asses, and pigs, as well as cows and oxen). Fowl means all bird life, not just domesticated fowl. Since (Gen 1:20) obviously refers to fish, whales probably indicates larger sea creatures. Creeping things (swarming things) includes reptiles, amphibians, insects, and small animals that scamper around, such as mice.
The most basic division of animal life– clean and unclean– was in effect very early in Israel’s history. Clean animals, the Jews believed, were acceptable to God for sacrifices and were thus permitted as food. All others were considered unclean, or unacceptable for sacrificing or eating.
Distinguishing between clean and unclean animals was the responsibility of the priest (Lev 11:47). Guidelines for this procedure were given in detail in (Leviticus 11). Of the larger mammals, God said, “Whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud– that you may eat” (Lev 11:3). Birds were an important source of food; so the few unclean ones were listed. These were mostly scavenger birds that ate flesh. Though neighboring peoples ate lizards, snakes, and turtles, Jews considered all reptiles unclean. Fish with scales and fins were clean; but shellfish, eels, and sharks were unclean. Most insects were unclean with the exception of locusts, grasshoppers, and some beetles, which could be eaten.
Early Christians inherited this historic concern of the Hebrew people with clean and unclean animals. The Christians’ concern was whether meat bought in the marketplace might have come from Roman sacrifices. Paul counseled them that nothing was “unclean of itself” (Rom 14:14). Peter, a devout Jew who would not think of eating an unclean animal, was instructed to do so in a vision (Acts 10). He interpreted the angel’s message, “What God has cleansed you must not call common,” as a call to carry the message of the gospel to non-jewish nations.
Almost since the Fall of man, people sacrificed animals to God. The first biblical mention of this practice is Abel’s offering of a lamb (Gen 4:4). Animal sacrifice was an essential part of Jewish worship until the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in A. D. 70. Forced to abandon the practice, Jews replaced it with the study of the Law and fellowship and worship in synagogues.
Moses spelled out strict rules for animal sacrifice. Many of these guidelines are found in the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. Only clean animals were acceptable, and they had to be at least eight days old, with no blemishes or flaws. A bullock, kid, or lamb was the usual offering. In some cases, older animals, doves, or pigeons were brought. A very poor man, who could not afford even a bird, might offer a measure of fine flour in its place.
Although they practiced animal sacrifice, the Jewish people believed in humane treatment of their animals. The Old Testament contains many warnings against mistreating livestock. The Law itself provided that animals should receive a day of rest during the week, along with their masters. Israel also had a distinctive attitude toward animals. Unlike their neighbors, they did not worship animals. Egypt, for instance, considered the bull and cat sacred, and Greece worshiped the serpent. It was common for a nation of the ancient world to be represented by an animal on its coins. But the prohibition against making graven images prevented this practice in the nation of Israel.
Many Old Testament writers were students of nature, quick to draw parallels between animal and human behavior. In the creation and the creatures that filled it, they saw evidence of the power of God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
The following animals are mentioned or implied in the Bible. This list is keyed to the New King James Version, with cross references from five additional popular translations– KJV, NASB, NEB, NIV, and RSV. Animals in this listing include mammals, insects, and reptiles.
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Formatted for e-Sword by Pastor David Cox