In the biblical narrative, beasts often symbolize chaos, destruction, and the untamed aspects of creation. They serve as instruments of divine judgment and as metaphors for nations and powers that oppose God's order. The Bible provides numerous references to various kinds of beasts, highlighting their noisome and destructive nature.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently mentions beasts in the context of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. In Leviticus 26:22, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of breaking His covenant: "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 are depicted as agents of divine retribution, emphasizing their destructive potential.

In the prophetic literature, beasts often symbolize nations or empires that act as instruments of God's judgment. The book of Daniel provides vivid imagery of such beasts. In Daniel 7:3-7, four great beasts emerge from the sea, each representing a kingdom that will rise and fall. These beasts are described as terrifying and powerful, underscoring their destructive capabilities.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues the theme of beasts as symbols of chaos and opposition to God's kingdom. In the book of Revelation, beasts play a significant role in the apocalyptic vision. Revelation 13:1-2 describes a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, with blasphemous names on its heads. This beast is empowered by the dragon and represents a conglomerate of earthly powers in opposition to God.

Revelation 6:8 introduces the pale horse and its rider, named Death, followed by Hades. Authority is given to them over a fourth of the earth, "to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth." Here, beasts are part of the quartet of judgments unleashed upon the earth, highlighting their role in divine retribution.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, beasts often represent the untamed and chaotic forces that stand in contrast to God's order and peace. They can symbolize nations, empires, or spiritual entities that oppose God's people and purposes. The destructive nature of these beasts serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

The imagery of beasts in the Bible also serves to illustrate the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over chaos and evil. Despite their power and destructiveness, these beasts are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and judgment. As seen in Revelation, the final defeat of the beast and its allies signifies the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where peace and order are restored.

Practical Implications

For believers, the biblical portrayal of beasts as noisome and destructive serves as a warning against aligning with forces that oppose God's will. It calls for vigilance and faithfulness in the face of spiritual and worldly challenges. The imagery of beasts also encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate victory over evil and to remain steadfast in their hope for the coming of His kingdom.Leviticus 26:6
And I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 5:17
So will I send on you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave you: and pestilence and blood shall pass through you; and I will bring the sword on you. I the LORD have spoken it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... It renders them worse than the beasts of the field ... Christ then tasted death for every
man, of all kinds. ... him for it; but though he keep many concubines, his ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand ... What could be more destructive to
the hierarchy of popes ... BELOVED, I thought it convenient, since many at this day ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... in and comprehending that nature which is infinite will not be far short of the
truth, as we may see by familiar examples; for as there are many and various ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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