Topical Bible: Beasts: The Property of God

◄ Beasts: The Property of God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of beasts as the property of God is a recurring theme that underscores God's sovereignty over all creation. The Bible presents God as the ultimate owner and caretaker of all living creatures, emphasizing His authority and providence.

Creation and Ownership

The book of Genesis establishes the foundation for understanding beasts as belonging to God. In Genesis 1:24-25 , God commands the earth to bring forth living creatures, including beasts, and declares them good. This act of creation signifies God's ownership and authority over all animals. Psalm 50:10-11 further affirms this, stating, "For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine."

Divine Care and Provision

God's ownership of beasts is not merely a matter of possession but also of care and provision. In Job 38-39, God speaks of His intimate knowledge and care for the animal kingdom, highlighting His role as the provider for all creatures. Job 38:41 asks, "Who provides the raven its prey when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?" This rhetorical question underscores God's active involvement in sustaining His creation.

Symbolism and Purpose

Throughout Scripture, beasts often serve symbolic purposes, representing nations, powers, or spiritual truths. In Daniel 7, various beasts symbolize empires and kingdoms, illustrating God's control over human history and His ultimate plan for redemption. In Revelation, beasts are used to depict spiritual realities and eschatological events, further emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation, including the forces of evil.

Human Stewardship

While God retains ultimate ownership of beasts, humanity is entrusted with the stewardship of animals. Genesis 1:28 records God's command to Adam and Eve to "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 mandate reflects a delegated authority, where humans are called to manage and care for God's creation responsibly.

Sacrificial System

In the Old Testament, beasts play a crucial role in the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and worship. Leviticus outlines various offerings involving animals, which are presented to God as acts of obedience and reverence. These sacrifices underscore the idea that all creatures ultimately belong to God and are used for His purposes.

Eschatological Fulfillment

In the prophetic vision of the new creation, the relationship between humans and beasts is restored to its intended harmony. Isaiah 11:6-9 describes a future where "the wolf will dwell with the lamb," symbolizing peace and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This vision reflects the ultimate reconciliation of all creation under God's sovereign rule.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of beasts as the property of God highlights His authority, care, and purpose for all living creatures. From creation to eschatological fulfillment, the Scriptures affirm God's ownership and the integral role of beasts within His divine plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 50:10
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

It is the Peculiar Property of Man to Know and Worship God.
... X."It is the Peculiar Property of Man to Know ... and from everything connected with
man, because God, who made ... [403] The sounds uttered by the beasts, by which ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap x it is the peculiar.htm

Of Some Commands of God, and of Patience.
... respects not to be sparing of his property, in order ... so that he will not endeavour
to obey God; and he ... or their horn; and serpents and wild beasts, unless you ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of some commands of.htm

God's Offspring
... because it belongs to Jesus Christ, who, by becoming a man, redeemed all mankind,
and made them His property and His ... It is not God's slave, as the beasts are ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xvi gods offspring.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... But the beasts that are below us cannot apprehend from ... And to all this, add that
singular property of it ... that is fitter to resemble the invisible God, than this ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x this then is.htm

Of the Kinds of Beneficence, and Works of Mercy.
... riches upon the altar [1186] of God, in order ... advised to lessen or exhaust your property;
but that ... captives that from which you purchase beasts; maintain the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xii of the kinds of.htm

But it is for this Especial Reason that Such an Explanation is ...
... practice purity that they rent them with wild beasts, and rolled ... God, but only a
graven image of God, his self ... I am well aware that the word "property" has been ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 6 but it is.htm

The Kingdom of God.
... in the physical word, there were beasts of prey ... himself for the protection of his
person and property. ... prophet seemed incredible and horrible"if God does look ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon ix the kingdom of.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... working fearful havoc in the destruction of both property and life. ... then our next
reference fully meets the objection: God's control of the beasts was again ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

Of the Fifth Day.
... monsters of the deep, and wild beasts, and birds ... and of creeping things, though
partaking of God's blessing, received no very distinguishing property. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xvi of the fifth day.htm

The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God and his ...
... superiority over these, as if they were wild beasts; and in ... For what other dishonour
can touch God? ... And as those who maltreat property insult the owners, and ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the gnostic aims at.htm