God Does Care About Animals
The Bible teaches that God does care about every part of His creation—including the animals. Jesus Himself said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6). When He made His creatures, He pronounced them good (Genesis 1:25), and they belong to Him (Psalm 50:10).
One of the signs of a righteous man is that he takes care of God’s creation (Proverbs 12:10). If the Creator expects humans to show mercy for His creatures, how much more will He care for them? The Lord has ordained natural laws that operate to produce food for all of His creation (Psalms 145:15, 16; 147:9). Thus, He provides for them their basic needs.
God’s Instructions
The Lord gave specific instruction in the Old Testament of how He expected the Israelites to be good stewards of the creatures in their care.
1-The Israelites were instructed that oxen were not to be muzzled while stamping out the grain from the chaff (Deuteronomy 25:4), that they might enjoy eating if hungry (1 Timothy 5:18).
2-The Lord commanded that mercy was to be shown to creatures in need, even if they were not your own: “Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again” (Deuteronomy 22:4).
3-The Lord commanded that creatures should rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 23:12).
4-Every seventh year the land was not to be sown or reaped for food, but was to be given a year to recuperate and to provide food for the poor and God’s creatures (Leviticus 25:1-7; Exodus 23:10-11).
5-The needs of creatures were to be met: “Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds” (Proverbs 27:23).
Jesus still upheld the law of caring for the animals in the New Testament (Luke 14:5), as He does not change (Hebrews 13:8).
Instances of unfair Treatment to Creatures
There are also other instances where the Lord brings to attention the unfair treatment toward His creatures.
1-The Lord told Jonah that He had pity on the people of Nineveh and the creatures there (Jonah 4:11).
2-The Lord allowed the donkey to speak in protest against the unfair beatings of Balaam (Numbers 22:28, 30).
The Creator’s care towards His creation is still relevant today. Those who love the Lord will also have compassion and care towards His creatures in His world.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
