Animals In The Hebrew Bible

The existence and history of animals on Earth is extraordinarily extensive with fossil evidence dating their inhabitance here roughly 560 million years ago. This by far surpasses the seemingly short in comparison recorded verification of human life that only goes back some 6,000 years ago. Before the paving of paths, the construction of building, and the before formation of civilization animals roamed and enjoyed all the Earth had to offer. As time passed, humans would similarly become accustom to living off these same natural resources and soon living off of animals themselves. Since their discovery, animals have been an incredible impact and foundation for many religious groups, tribes, cultures, and even nations. The diverse roles animals …show more content…
When looking into the story of Genesis, specifically chapter three, there is the telling of a serpent that comes to corrupt and persuade Eve into eating fruit from the tree of knowledge. The serpent, a representation of the devil, convinces Eve who then convinces Adam to break God’s first and only command, thus creating sin. The punishment for their actions forever results in the cursing of man to work and women to bear children and be ruled by their husband. This serves not only as an explanation for believers as to why women are the original bearer of children, but goes on to allow men for the years after to exert their innate and God-given power to rule over …show more content…
The dove is the first to note and goes on to be mentioned several times throughout the bible serving as a harbinger of peace for Noah in Genesis. After the great flood, “the dove came to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth” (Genesis 8:11). The dove is later spoken of in Psalms as an emblem of harmonious freedom when it was proclaimed “Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away, and be at rest. If he could not resist as an eagle, he would escape as a dove” (Psalm 55:6). This comparison of the eagle and the dove in this passage is relevant as it emphasizes the inherent and lasting tranquility to dove carries with it. Lastly, the dove is specifically stated as a symbol of the Holy Spirit itself in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This will later strong portrayal will serve to be an inspiration for many religious artworks in which the incorporation of the dove represents the Spirit of God and clearly stands out in any painting as a white and wholesome symbol. In addition, the bible also references the Lamb of God. The lamb is spoken of specifically on the Gospel of John in which, upon seeing Jesus, John proclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Today, the Lamb of God continues to be used widely