In the Bible, beasts and birds are frequently mentioned, serving as symbols, instruments of God's will, and part of the created order that reflects God's glory. They are integral to the narrative of Scripture, illustrating spiritual truths and God's sovereignty over creation.

Creation and Dominion

The account of creation in Genesis establishes the foundational role of beasts and birds. On the fifth day, God created the birds of the air and the creatures of the sea, and on the sixth day, He created the land animals. Genesis 1:21-25 states, "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 after its kind. And God saw that it was good." Humanity was given dominion over these creatures, as seen 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.'"

Symbolism and Prophecy

Beasts and birds often symbolize nations, leaders, or spiritual truths. In the prophetic literature, they are used to convey messages of judgment or deliverance. For instance, in Daniel 7, beasts represent empires that rise and fall, illustrating God's control over history. Similarly, in Ezekiel 17, a great eagle symbolizes the king of Babylon, and the parable conveys God's judgment and restoration plan for Israel.

Sacrificial System

In the Levitical law, certain beasts and birds were designated as clean or unclean, impacting their role in the sacrificial system. Clean animals, such as lambs, goats, and doves, were acceptable offerings to God, symbolizing atonement and worship. Leviticus 1:14 states, "If, however, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon."

Divine Provision and Care

The Bible frequently highlights God's provision for beasts and birds, underscoring His care for all creation. In Job 38:41 , God asks, "Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about in hunger?" Jesus uses birds to teach about God's provision in Matthew 6:26 : "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?"

Judgment and Deliverance

Beasts and birds are sometimes agents of God's judgment. In Jeremiah 15:3 , God declares, "I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy." Conversely, they can also signify deliverance and hope, as in Isaiah 11:6-9, where the peaceful coexistence of animals symbolizes the coming Messianic kingdom.

Eschatological Imagery

In the book of Revelation, beasts and birds play significant roles in the apocalyptic vision. The beast from the sea and the beast from the earth in Revelation 13 symbolize oppressive powers opposing God's people. In contrast, Revelation 19:17-18 describes an angel calling birds to feast on the flesh of God's enemies, signifying divine victory and judgment.

Throughout Scripture, beasts and birds serve as reminders of God's creative power, His providential care, and His ultimate authority over all creation. They are woven into the biblical narrative, illustrating profound spiritual truths and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.