In the Bible, the terms "beasts," "crawling creatures," and "birds" are used to describe various forms of animal life created by God. These creatures are often mentioned in the context of God's creation, His covenant with humanity, and His laws regarding clean and unclean animals.

Creation and Dominion

The account of creation in Genesis provides the foundational understanding of these creatures. On the fifth day, God created the birds and the sea creatures: "So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed, according to their kinds, and every bird of flight according to its kind. And God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:21). On the sixth day, God created the land animals, including beasts and crawling creatures: "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so" (Genesis 1:24).

God granted humanity dominion over these creatures, as stated in Genesis 1:28: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and 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 dominion implies stewardship and responsibility for the care and management of God's creation.

Covenant with Noah

Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, which included all living creatures: "And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth'" (Genesis 9:12-13). This covenant underscores the value God places on all forms of life.

Clean and Unclean Animals

The distinction between clean and unclean animals is a significant theme in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 11 provides detailed instructions on which animals are considered clean and permissible to eat, and which are unclean and forbidden. For example, among the birds, the eagle, vulture, and raven are listed as unclean (Leviticus 11:13-15). Among the crawling creatures, those that move on their bellies or have many feet are deemed unclean (Leviticus 11:42).

These dietary laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to teach principles of holiness and obedience. In the New Testament, however, the apostle Peter received a vision that signified the end of these dietary restrictions: "The voice spoke to him a second time: 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean'" (Acts 10:15).

Symbolism and Imagery

Beasts, crawling creatures, and birds are often used symbolically in biblical literature. For instance, in the book of Daniel, beasts represent kingdoms and empires (Daniel 7:3-7). In the New Testament, Jesus uses birds to illustrate God's provision and care: "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26).

Eschatological References

In prophetic and eschatological contexts, these creatures are sometimes depicted in visions and judgments. The book of Revelation describes various beasts as part of its apocalyptic imagery, symbolizing powers and principalities opposed to God (Revelation 13:1-2).

Throughout Scripture, beasts, crawling creatures, and birds serve as reminders of God's creative power, His covenantal promises, and His sovereign rule over all creation. They are integral to the biblical narrative, reflecting both the beauty and complexity of the world God has made.