Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the role of animals, or "beasts," in supplying clothing to humanity is a significant theme that underscores God's provision and care for His creation. This theme is first introduced in the early chapters of Genesis and is woven throughout the Scriptures.Genesis 3:21 The first instance of beasts supplying clothing to man occurs immediately after the Fall. In Genesis 3:21, it is written: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." . This act of God providing garments made from animal skins signifies the first recorded instance of animals being used to meet human needs. It also symbolizes God's mercy and provision, even in the face of human disobedience. The use of animal skins implies the necessity of sacrifice, foreshadowing the sacrificial system that would later be established under the Mosaic Law. Levitical Law and Sacrificial System The Levitical laws further elaborate on the use of animals in providing for human needs, including clothing. The Israelites were instructed to use the skins of sacrificial animals for various purposes. While the primary focus of these sacrifices was atonement and worship, the practical use of animal skins for clothing and other needs was an accepted and necessary part of life. This reflects a broader biblical principle of stewardship and the responsible use of God's creation. Proverbs 31:13 The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is noted for her industriousness and resourcefulness, including her work with wool and flax: "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." . While this verse does not directly mention animals supplying clothing, it highlights the importance of natural resources, including those derived from animals, in the production of garments. Wool, a product of sheep, is a recurring material in biblical times, emphasizing the ongoing relationship between humans and animals in the provision of clothing. New Testament Context In the New Testament, while the direct mention of animals supplying clothing is less prominent, the principle of God's provision remains. Jesus, in His teachings, often used illustrations from nature to convey God's care for humanity. In Matthew 6:25-30, Jesus encourages His followers not to worry about clothing, using the lilies of the field as an example of God's provision. This teaching reinforces the idea that God, who provides for the natural world, will also provide for human needs, including clothing. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications The provision of clothing from animals carries deep symbolic and spiritual implications. It serves as a reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of sacrifice for atonement. The garments of skin provided to Adam and Eve can be seen as a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, covers the sins of humanity. This theme of covering and atonement is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and redemption. Throughout the Bible, the use of animals to supply clothing to man is a testament to God's provision and the interconnectedness of His creation. It highlights the responsibility of humans to steward these resources wisely and acknowledges the sacrificial elements inherent in the provision of clothing, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 3:21To Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 31:20 Library Of the Production of the Beasts and of Man. Of the Blessings with which the Creator Has Filled this Life ... Letter xiii. Christian Activity. Philippians iii. 3-Jan On the Fast of the Tenth Month. Letter Xliii. To Marcella. On Helping the Poor. The Mosaic Law the Fountain of all Ethics, and the Source from ... The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk. "And this is his Commandment," &C. 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 |