Topical Bible: Beasts: Devoid of Speech

◄ Beasts: Devoid of Speech ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "beasts" often refers to animals that are devoid of speech, distinguishing them from humans who possess the unique ability to communicate through language. This distinction is significant in understanding the roles and symbolism of animals within the Scriptures.

Creation and Dominion

In the Genesis account of creation, God creates the beasts of the earth on the sixth day, alongside humans. 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." Here, the beasts are part of God's good creation, fulfilling their roles within the created order.

Humans are given dominion over these creatures, as seen in Genesis 1:26 : "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.'" This dominion implies a stewardship role, where humans are to care for and manage the animal kingdom.

Symbolism and Lessons

Throughout the Bible, beasts often serve as symbols or tools for teaching spiritual truths. In the Book of Job, God uses the example of various animals to illustrate His power and wisdom. Job 12:7-10 says, "But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind."

The speechlessness of beasts is often contrasted with the wisdom and understanding that humans are expected to seek. In Proverbs, the ant is used as an example of diligence and foresight, despite its lack of speech. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Walk in the manner of the ant, O sluggard; observe its ways and be wise: Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible also addresses the ethical treatment of animals, recognizing their value as part of God's creation. Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse underscores the responsibility of humans to treat animals with care and compassion, reflecting God's own care for all His creatures.

Prophetic and Apocalyptic Imagery

In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, beasts often symbolize nations, empires, or spiritual entities. The Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation contain visions of beasts that represent various powers and authorities. For example, Daniel 7:3-7 describes four great beasts emerging from the sea, each symbolizing a different kingdom. These symbolic beasts, though devoid of literal speech, convey messages about the rise and fall of earthly powers and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Conclusion

The concept of beasts devoid of speech in the Bible serves multiple purposes, from illustrating human dominion and responsibility to conveying deeper spiritual truths through symbolism. While animals lack the gift of speech, their presence in Scripture enriches the narrative and provides valuable lessons for believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:16
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbade the madness of the prophet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Rhetoric and Eloquence
... same means by which they raise themselves above beasts, so much ... on the subject of
the gift of speech and its ... of its truth; for who can be so devoid of sense ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/rhetoric and eloquence.htm

Why Man's Form is Upright; and that Hands were Given Him Because ...
... Of the corporeal, part is entirely devoid of life, and ... like that of dogs and other
carnivorous beasts, projecting through ... proper for the use of speech, so that ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/viii why mans form is.htm

Elegance and Grace
... some particular reason, then it becomes a figure of speech. ... to things, which come
from being devoid of sense ... back the melody, and the fiercest beasts are often ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/elegance and grace.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... are condemned too harshly as being utterly devoid of a ... cattle and their possessions
and all their beasts of burden ... The substance of their speech is given in one ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.
... you will find that the soul of beasts is earth. ... veneration for widowhood, even in
these creatures devoid of reason ... think of all those which my speech has left ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily viii the creation of.htm

And Now the Time is Come for us to Proceed to the Demonstration of ...
... has driven from human society like savage beasts that ever ... as dung, breathless,
motionless, bereft of speech, and have ... which has no existence is devoid of that ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvi and now the.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... my hearing, as an excuse for a passionate speech, "I could ... likened in Scripture to
many strange beasts, and not ... we are not to imitate creatures devoid of reason ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... case of a speaker, the stream of speech flows unchecked ... the man of self-control is
devoid of passion ... the Apocalypse, [268] will produce minute beasts, that prey ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... to the good, while the wicked are devoid of all ... Naught is left the same, speech and
form are gone ... and, in the attributes of their souls, are changed to beasts. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... the cougher, from keluttein, which in their speech signifies to ... of your life"a life
in reality devoid of life ... For if they are beasts, they are not adulterous ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm