What does “beast of the field” mean in the Bible? This term, found throughout the Bible, refers to any animal that lives in the wild, outside of human control or domestication. The concept of the “beast of the field” is often used to describe the natural world and the animals that inhabit it, highlighting the relationship between humans and the creatures around them. This article will explore the various uses and meanings of the term “beast of the field” in the Bible, and how it reflects the religious and cultural values of the time.
The first instance of the term “beast of the field” appears in Genesis 1:24, where it is used to describe the creation of animals on the earth. “And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the field, after his kind: and it was so.” This verse indicates that God created a diverse range of animals, including those that would become the “beast of the field.” The use of this term in the creation narrative suggests that animals are part of God’s creation and have a purpose within the natural order.
In the book of Genesis, the “beast of the field” is also used to describe the animals that God provided for the sustenance of humans. For example, in Genesis 9:2-3, after the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising that He would never again destroy all life on earth. “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fish of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” This passage indicates that humans have dominion over the “beast of the field,” but also that they are responsible for the welfare of these animals.
The term “beast of the field” is also used to describe the animals that humans might encounter in the wilderness or in their daily lives. For instance, in Numbers 22:5, Balaam is instructed by God to go with the Israelites and pronounce a curse on them, but the angel of the Lord appears as a “beast of the field” to block his path. This illustrates the idea that the “beast of the field” can be a source of both blessing and danger in the lives of humans.
In the Psalms, the “beast of the field” is often used to contrast the power and majesty of God with the vulnerability of animals. Psalm 104:21-22 reads, “The beasts of the field shall take their food, and the foxes shall have their holes, and the birds of the heavens shall dwell in the houses of the trees. Beasts and all cattle shall feed; they shall lie down in their dens, and shall be at rest.” This passage highlights the idea that God provides for all creatures, both great and small, and that they are part of His divine plan.
In conclusion, the term “beast of the field” in the Bible refers to any animal that lives in the wild, outside of human control. This concept is used to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of animals within the created order. The term highlights the responsibilities and blessings that come with human dominion over the “beast of the field,” while also acknowledging the power and majesty of God, who sustains all creatures.
