Topical Bible: Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man

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The concept of man's dominion over beasts is rooted in the biblical narrative of creation, where God grants humanity authority over all living creatures. This theme is primarily established in the Book of Genesis and is reiterated throughout Scripture, emphasizing the unique role and responsibility bestowed upon mankind.

Creation and Dominion

In the Genesis account, God creates man in His own image and assigns him a position of authority over the earth and its creatures. Genesis 1:26-28 states: "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.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'"

This passage establishes the foundational principle that humans are to exercise stewardship over the animal kingdom, reflecting God's sovereign rule.

Noah and the Covenant

Following the flood, God reaffirms man's dominion over animals in His covenant with Noah. Genesis 9:2-3 declares: "The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things."

This covenant not only reiterates man's authority but also introduces the concept of animals as a source of sustenance, further emphasizing the hierarchical relationship between humans and beasts.

Wisdom Literature and Psalms

The Psalms and wisdom literature reflect on the theme of man's dominion as part of God's created order. Psalm 8:6-8 poetically acknowledges this authority: "You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas."

This passage highlights the honor and responsibility given to humanity, underscoring the divine intention for humans to govern creation wisely and justly.

Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature

In prophetic and apocalyptic texts, the imagery of beasts often symbolizes nations and powers, yet the underlying theme of human dominion persists. Daniel's visions, for example, depict beasts representing empires, but ultimately, it is the "Son of Man" who receives everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:13-14).

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the concept of human authority over animals, though it also introduces a broader understanding of stewardship and care. James 3:7 notes, "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind."

This acknowledgment of mankind's ability to tame and manage animals reflects the ongoing exercise of dominion, while also implying a responsibility to do so with wisdom and compassion.

Theological Implications

The biblical mandate for humans to have power over beasts carries significant theological implications. It reflects the imago Dei, the image of God in humanity, which confers a unique status and responsibility. This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a call to stewardship, requiring humans to care for creation as God's representatives.

Throughout Scripture, the power over beasts given to man is a testament to God's order and purpose in creation, inviting humanity to participate in His divine governance with humility and reverence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:26,28
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 8:7
All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of God's Word Over the Human Affections.
... The Power of God's Word Over the Human Affections ... rack," torn limb from limb, thrown
to the wild beasts, and have ... I'll come after my day's work is over and copy ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/iii the power of gods.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... Now this is just what God has done to you; He has brought you into the world, and
has given you power over the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

What is Man?
... continued not," but became lower than even the beasts that perish ... through his blood;
then from the power, which shall have no more dominion over thee; and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 109 what is man.htm

In the Thirteenth Chapter of Revelation Two Beasts are There ...
... is separately predicted of the two Beasts in Rev ... wield great temporal power, and
rule over a vast ... that Antichrist will exercise political or governmental power. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the thirteenth chapter of.htm

Of the Creation 0F Man
... cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping ... curious draughts and lineaments
of his power, wisdom, and ... which a man is most above beasts, to reflect ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xix of the creation.htm

Chapter ix
... every green plant, so now I have given you everything. ... Now man's power over the animal
world is enlarged in another ... Flood ever ate the meat of beasts, they did ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ix.htm

Solomon
... under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the ... after three years with foreign
riches and curious beasts. ... of his magic seal he had power over all those ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

If Christ's Power be Now So Great, How Much Greater at the Second ...
... Him near; and there were given Him power and kingly ... judgment of the matters: These
great beasts are four ... kingdom upon earth, which shall prevail over all these ...
/.../chapter xxxi if christs power be.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... heaven, hell, yet men's corruption must be over all these ... In a word, no created power
is of sufficient ... daily drawn after their lusts, as beasts, following their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
... that part of man, whereby he is man, that is, after the spirit of the mind whereby
he excels the beasts. ... "Thou hast given unto Him power over all flesh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 10 but in order.htm