Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, domestic beasts refer to animals that are kept by humans for various purposes, such as labor, companionship, or food. The care of these animals is a topic addressed in several passages throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the responsibility and stewardship humans have over God's creation.Biblical Mandate for Care The Bible provides clear instructions regarding the treatment of domestic animals, underscoring the importance of kindness and proper care. In the Book of Proverbs, it is written, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty" (Proverbs 12:10). This verse highlights the moral obligation to treat animals with compassion and respect, contrasting the behavior of the righteous with that of the wicked. Sabbath Rest for Animals The concept of rest extends beyond humans to include animals, as seen in the commandment regarding the Sabbath. In Exodus 20:10, it is stated, "But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates" . This directive ensures that animals, like humans, are given a day of rest, reflecting God's care for all His creation. Protection and Provision The Law of Moses includes specific regulations to protect domestic animals and ensure their well-being. For instance, Deuteronomy 25:4 instructs, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain" . This law ensures that working animals are allowed to eat while they labor, demonstrating a principle of fairness and provision. Compassionate Treatment The Bible also records instances where compassionate treatment of animals is encouraged. In the account of Balaam, God opens the mouth of Balaam's donkey to speak, highlighting the mistreatment it received and God's awareness of such actions (Numbers 22:28-33). This narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of treating animals with dignity and care. Symbolism and Stewardship Domestic animals often symbolize various spiritual truths in Scripture. For example, sheep are frequently used to represent God's people, and the care of sheep by a shepherd is a metaphor for God's guidance and protection (Psalm 23, John 10:11-15). This symbolism reinforces the idea of stewardship, where humans are entrusted with the responsibility to care for God's creation, including domestic animals. Conclusion The biblical perspective on the care of domestic beasts is one of stewardship, compassion, and responsibility. Through various laws, narratives, and symbols, Scripture underscores the importance of treating animals with kindness and ensuring their well-being, reflecting the character of a righteous and caring God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 25:7And for your cattle, and for the beast that are in your land, shall all the increase thereof be meat. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 25:4 Library Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful 1 Cor. xvi. 10 Whether it is Lawful for a Private Individual to Kill a Man who ... A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. Give us this Day Our Daily Bread. Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | 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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