Why God Gave Us Dogs: A Look at the Role of Animals in the Bible
Animals hold a significant place in God’s story. They are both apart of His good creation (Genesis 1:20-25) and a victim of man’s fall (Romans 8:19–22). In the New Creation they are still present, co-existing with glorified humanity; a relationship which God had always intended (Isaiah 11:16 cf. Genesis 2:18). Unfortunately, the important role animals play in Scripture is too often overlooked. The biblical evidence, however, suggests that this shouldn’t be the case. Here’s a few examples:
When Adam and Eve sin the skin of an animal is provided them (Genesis 3:21). This is a foreshadow of the sacrificial system that will transpire throughout the rest of the Old Testament whereby animals are offered in a remedial role to help alleviate the effects of the curse which they brought upon themselves and their progeny. Animals are not sacrificed because they are invaluable, but precisely the opposite. Note that in Genesis 4 Cain offers fruit but Abel offers the firstborn of his flock. The former is a lesser sacrifice, signifying the latter’s greater value (4:3–4).
Come the flood, only a handful of humans are spared, whereas the majority of the ark’s tenants are animals (Genesis 6:18–20). In Genesis 8 it says that God remembered not only Noah, but “all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark” (8:1). After the waters subside, God makes a covenant with Noah. What people often forget is that the covenant is not only between God and mankind, but God and the surviving animals. Take note…
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth… And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations… I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh… When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth… God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:9–10, 12, 15-17)
This is not to suggest that animals are more valuable than human beings. Not at all! Human beings have the special privilege of being made in God’s image (1:27). However, it is clear that God greatly values His animals. So much so that He not only sees to their deliverance from the waters of the flood but goes on to make a covenant promise to them!
It should be noted that we have only considered the first 9 chapters of the Bible, and not in any sort of exhaustive sense. Animals are found all throughout God’s Word! For example, read the Psalms and see how many times the psalmist uses animal imagery. How about the Song of Solomon? Not to mention the Prophets! The New Testament is no different, all the way through to Revelation. Christ Himself is referred to as the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah.
During your lifetime you have probably shared a home with an animal of some sort. Maybe you have one nearby right now! As for me, I grew up in a dog-loving home and dogs have always held a special place in my heart. I think the common adage that dogs are man’s best friend holds true. I know that most people don’t revere dogs as much as I do and are prone to scoff at such sentiment, but consider the following...
Is not everything that God made intended for a purpose? In the case of dogs, is that purpose solely to serve man? If so, does one have to serve and serve only? Or is the servant capable of companionship also? Would it not make sense that some of God’s creatures should bond better with humans than others?
God’s creation is diverse, and I’d like to think that God employs a variety of means to comfort His image bearers. In fact, we know that many dogs can sense when their owner is in discomfort or distress. I’ve even heard of dogs picking up on illnesses that their owners weren’t even aware of, resulting in saved lives!
Does anyone regard you with such consistently happy emotion as your dog? Tired or hungry, rain or shine, few pooches will forget to acknowledge when his or her master comes home. This is often done with unrivalled joviality, day after day, right to the end.
Humans are quick to hold grudges against one another and resentment is commonplace among our species. Compare that to the dog! Does he dig up the past or cast judgment upon you for all your faults and failures? Never! In fact, I wonder if we can’t learn a lesson or two in human-relations from our four-legged friends.
Dogs are an example of what separates man from the beast. We typically argue that what makes us unique is our reasoning and problem-solving abilities. However, I think the most notable difference between us and the animal kingdom is our sinful behaviour. Dogs don’t harbour malicious intent or go out of their way to harm their neighbour. They can be raised mean, of course, but they don’t possess that original sin which we inherited from our forefather. Any breed of dog can learn to gentleness and love if they are taught correctly. We, on the other hand, need more than just a good example or a couple lessons in good behaviour.
Lastly, dogs are proven to have a therapeutic effect on people. That’s why they are a favourite at children’s hospitals and old folks’ homes. Do you think this is a coincidence? I don’t think there is such a thing in God’s world. I think God knew exactly what He was doing when He made doggos!
Animals are God’s creatures and He called them good. This is not unimportant. So although we’ve been given dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and everything which move on the ground, we need to respect God’s good design. Dominion doesn’t negate good stewardship practices.
On the other hand, we can’t fall into the trap of regarding animals as our equals (or superiors, as is the case with many pagan cults and which Paul fiercely condemns in Romans 1:25). For starters, they don’t bear the imago Dei. Christ didn’t take the form of an animal, but a man. A form which He continue to possess. We are His special possession. His Bride and His Church. So don’t take this as a call to join your local chapter of PETA.
What I would like to see, however, is a thorough appraisal of the biblical text. One that tests our many presuppositions. Scripture needs to speak for itself, and I think that when it comes to understanding the importance of animals in the story of God we have been neglectful.
Isaiah has a beautiful vision of the future when peace is restored once and for all and evil has been expelled from the world for good. By now it should come as no surprise that this vision contains animals. It goes like this:
‘The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.” (Isaiah 11:6–8)
God Bless
