The term "beasts of the whole earth" is a phrase that appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing different aspects of God's creation, judgment, or the unfolding of prophetic visions. In the Berean Standard Bible , these references can be found in both the Old and New Testaments, where they carry significant theological and symbolic meanings.

Creation and Dominion

In the creation narrative of Genesis, God creates the beasts of the earth as part of His orderly and purposeful design. Genesis 1:24-25 states, "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. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Here, the beasts are part of the created order over which humanity is given dominion, 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 moves on the ground.'"

Symbolism in Prophecy

In prophetic literature, beasts often symbolize kingdoms, empires, or significant powers. The Book of Daniel provides a vivid example of this symbolism. Daniel 7:3-7 describes four great beasts emerging from the sea, each representing a kingdom that will rise on the earth. These beasts are interpreted as successive empires that have significant roles in the unfolding of God's plan for history.

Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, beasts are used to depict entities that oppose God's purposes. Revelation 13:1-2 describes a beast rising out of the sea, symbolizing a powerful and oppressive regime. The imagery of beasts in Revelation serves to convey the spiritual and political conflicts that characterize the end times.

Judgment and Restoration

The presence of beasts in biblical texts is also associated with divine judgment and the restoration of creation. In the prophetic writings of Isaiah, the desolation brought by judgment is often depicted through the imagery of wild beasts inhabiting the ruins of once-thriving cities. Isaiah 13:21-22 states, "But desert creatures will lie there, and their houses will be full of owls; ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in their fortresses, and jackals in their luxurious palaces. Her time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged."

Conversely, the restoration of creation is depicted as a time when harmony is restored between humans and beasts. Isaiah 11:6-9 envisions a future where "the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them." This imagery reflects the peace and order that will characterize the renewed creation under God's reign.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

Throughout Scripture, the behavior of beasts is sometimes used to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." Here, the industriousness of the ant serves as a model for human diligence and foresight.

In summary, the "beasts of the whole earth" in the Bible serve as multifaceted symbols that convey themes of creation, dominion, prophecy, judgment, restoration, and moral instruction. These references underscore the complexity and richness of biblical imagery, inviting readers to explore the deeper meanings behind the text.