God created all creatures, great and small, and He cares for them. The Bible reminds us of God’s role as Creator and our responsibility to care for His creation. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about animals, nature, and God’s love for all living things.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Creation And The Fall
What Does The Bible Say About Creatures
Genesis 1:24-25
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
This passage in Genesis highlights God’s creative power and intentionality in bringing forth all living creatures on the earth. It emphasizes the diversity and uniqueness of each creature, as they were made according to their kinds. God’s satisfaction with His creation reminds us of His love for all creatures, big and small.
It is a testament to God’s wisdom and order that He established different kinds of creatures, each with its purpose and place in the ecosystem. This verse also highlights the importance of taking care of and respecting all creatures, as they are part of God’s good creation.
Psalms 104:24
“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
Psalm 104 is a beautiful hymn of praise to God for His creation. This verse expresses awe and wonder at the vastness and diversity of God’s works. It acknowledges that everything in creation, including all creatures, is a reflection of God’s wisdom and creativity.
The psalmist recognizes that the earth is teeming with creatures, each with its unique role and purpose. This verse serves as a reminder to appreciate and value the intricate web of life that God has established, and to be conscious of our responsibility to care for and steward His creation.
Proverbs 12:10
“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”
This proverb highlights the importance of righteousness and compassion towards animals. The righteous person is characterized by their care and consideration for the well-being of their animals. They understand that animals are part of God’s creation and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
In contrast, the wicked person is insensitive and lacking in mercy. Their cruelty toward animals demonstrates a lack of regard for life and reflects their distorted character. This verse reminds us of the importance of demonstrating compassion and mercy towards all creatures, as an expression of our righteousness and love for God’s creation.
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where He reassures His followers of God’s provision and care. By drawing attention to the birds of the air, Jesus invites His disciples to consider the example of these creatures who trust in God’s faithfulness for their daily sustenance.
Jesus emphasizes the value of humanity, reminding His listeners that if God cares for the needs of even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures, how much more will He provide for His beloved children. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision and to have confidence in His unfailing love for us.
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”
In the book of Job, Job is confronted by his friends about his suffering, and in his response, he contemplates the wisdom and greatness of God. In these verses, Job points out that even the animals and creatures of the earth bear witness to the power and sovereignty of God.
Job invites his listeners to learn from the animals and creatures who instinctively recognize that it is the hand of the Lord that sustains and gives life to all living things. It is a humble acknowledgement that God is the ultimate source of life for both humans and creatures, and that we are all dependent on His providence.
Genesis 9:9-10
“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.”
After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy all flesh with a flood again. This covenant included not only humanity but also every living creature on the earth. It manifests God’s care and concern for all His creation.
The inclusion of animals in God’s covenant with Noah demonstrates the interconnectedness of all living beings. It reflects God’s desire for harmonious relationships, not just between humans but also between humans and animals. This verse reminds us of our responsibility to honor God’s covenant by treating and caring for all creatures with respect and compassion.
Proverbs 27:23
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”
This proverb speaks to the importance of responsible stewardship over livestock and animals. It encourages farmers and livestock owners to be attentive and knowledgeable about the well-being and condition of their flocks and herds.
By knowing the condition of their animals, owners can ensure their welfare, address their needs, and prevent potential harm or suffering. This verse emphasizes the importance of responsible and caring stewardship, reflecting our role as caretakers of God’s creatures.
Matthew 10:29
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching to His disciples as He sends them out on a mission to proclaim the good news. He reassures them of God’s intimate care and attention to even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures, such as sparrows.
Jesus affirms that not a single sparrow falls to the ground without the knowledge and supervision of God. This verse reminds us of both the value and the dependence of all creatures on God. It encourages us to trust in His providence and to have confidence that He is aware of our needs and cares for us deeply.
Psalm 148:7-10
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!”
Psalm 148 is a call for all creation to praise and worship the Lord. These verses specifically mention various elements of creation, including sea creatures, weather phenomena, mountains, trees, and animals.
The psalmist recognizes that all parts of creation have a role in praising God. This passage is a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of all creatures and the importance of their collective praise and worship. It invites us to join with all of creation in giving glory and honor to our Creator.
Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”
This proverb draws upon the example of ants to teach a lesson about diligence and wisdom. Ants are known for their industriousness and preparation for the future, as they gather food during times of abundance to sustain themselves during times of scarcity.
The lesson is directed to the lazy or complacent person, urging them to observe and learn from the ant’s example of hard work and foresight. This verse encourages us to be diligent and responsible in our stewardship of resources, emulating the wisdom of the ants in managing and preparing for the future.
Matthew 12:12
“Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Jesus said this in response to the Pharisees’ criticism of Him healing a man on the Sabbath. He emphasizes the value and importance of human beings by comparing them to sheep, which were significant in Jewish culture for sacrifices and livelihood.
While acknowledging the value of animals, Jesus teaches that human life is of greater worth. This verse challenges us to recognize and prioritize the well-being and dignity of our fellow human beings, reminding us that acts of kindness and compassion are always in accordance with God’s will.
Job 38:41
“Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God for help, and wander about for lack of food?”
In this passage, God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, demonstrating His sovereignty and wisdom. He draws Job’s attention to the way He cares for the creatures of the earth, even the ravens and their young who cry out to Him in times of need.
God’s question highlights His providential care and compassion for His creation. He reveals His intimate knowledge of the needs of every creature and His willingness to provide for them. This verse reminds us of the faithfulness and provision of God, both for humans and animals.
Proverbs 30:25
“The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer.”
This proverb again references the example of ants to teach a lesson. It acknowledges that ants are small creatures, but their diligence and wisdom enable them to prepare and provide for their needs.
This verse encourages us to learn from the industriousness and foresight of ants. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant creatures can offer lessons in responsible stewardship and preparation. We are encouraged to consider how we can wisely and diligently plan for our own needs and the needs of others.
Matthew 10:31
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings to His disciples to encourage them in their mission and to reassure them of God’s care for them. Jesus acknowledges their worth and significance, even greater than that of the sparrows.
While sparrows may be small and seemingly unimportant, Jesus emphasizes the immeasurable value of each person in the eyes of God. This verse reminds us of our worth and significance as individuals, and it assures us that God’s love and care extend to every aspect of our lives.
Proverbs 12:27
“Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”
This proverb contrasts the outcomes of laziness and diligence. It highlights the consequences of being slothful and careless in the stewardship of resources.
The verse teaches us that diligence and hard work lead to abundance and wealth, whereas laziness and negligence result in loss and scarcity. This reminder encourages us to be responsible and diligent in our care for creation, recognizing that God’s blessings often come through our faithful efforts.
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
Paul writes this to Timothy, teaching him about false teachings and the importance of upholding the truths of the Gospel. In this verse, he emphasizes the inherent goodness of everything that God has created.
This verse reminds us of God’s perfect design and intention for all creatures. It encourages us to appreciate and value every aspect of creation, recognizing that they are all gifts from God to be received with gratitude. It also challenges us to reject any teachings or ideologies that devalue or reject the goodness of God’s creation.
Psalms 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord.”
This psalm praises God for His righteousness and faithfulness. It recognizes that God’s judgments are as vast and deep as the great ocean, and that He extends His salvation not only to humans but also to animals.
This verse reassures us of God’s inclusive love and redemptive purposes. It affirms that God’s salvation encompasses all of His creation, demonstrating His care and mercy towards both humanity and the animal kingdom.
1 Corinthians 9:9-10
“For it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.’ Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.”
In this passage, Paul references a commandment in the Law of Moses regarding not muzzling an ox while it is working. He emphasizes that this commandment was not only for the benefit of the oxen but also for the well-being and hope of the workers.
This verse reminds us that God’s concern extends beyond the well-being of animals; it includes the welfare and flourishing of humanity. It serves as a reminder that caring for animals and creation aligns with God’s desire for justice and provision for all.
Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.”
This verse is part of a prophecy in Isaiah about the future peace and restoration that will be brought by the Messiah. It portrays a scene where predatory animals coexist peacefully with their natural prey, and even a little child can safely lead them.
This imagery of harmony among creatures speaks to the ultimate reconciliation and restoration that will take place when God’s kingdom is fully established. It reminds us of the hope and longing for a world where animals and humans can live in perfect peace and harmony, devoid of violence and fear.
Exodus 23:12
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.”
In the context of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the observance of the Sabbath, this verse highlights the value of rest not only for humans but also for their livestock and even those serving them.
God’s command to rest on the Sabbath includes considerations for the well-being and restorative needs of all creatures. It reminds us of the importance of Sabbath rest in honoring God’s design for creation and in acknowledging the value and dignity of all creatures.
Romans 8:19-22
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
In this passage, Paul writes about the anticipation and longing that all creation has for the redemption and restoration that will come through the revealing of the sons of God.
These verses acknowledge that creation has been affected by the consequences of sin and is eagerly waiting for its liberation from decay and corruption. It paints a picture of creation groaning in longing for the freedom and glory that will be revealed in the children of God.
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
This verse is part of a prophecy in Isaiah about the future restoration of God’s people and the creation of new heavens and a new earth. It envisions a world where predator and prey coexist peacefully, with even the nature of animals being transformed.
God’s promise to remove harm and destruction from His holy mountain speaks to His plan for a future where violence is eradicated, and all creatures live in harmony. It inspires hope and highlights God’s redemptive purposes for both humanity and the animal kingdom.
Job 39:13-17
“The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but are they the pinions and plumage of love? For she leaves her eggs to the earth and lets them be warmed on the ground, forgetting that a foot may crush them and that the wild beast may trample them. She deals cruelly with her young, as if they were not hers; though her labor be in vain, yet she has no fear, because God has made her forget wisdom and given her no share in understanding.”
In this passage, God speaks to Job about His wisdom in the creation of animals, specifically referencing the behavior of the ostrich. He describes the ostrich’s unique characteristics, including its carelessness and lack of understanding.
This verse reminds us that God has created each creature with its unique characteristics and instincts. It acknowledges that not all behaviors or traits may align with our human understanding, but they serve a purpose within God’s wise design. It prompts us to appreciate the diversity and complexity of God’s creation, even if we don’t fully comprehend it.