Social media is filled with assertions that animals are entitled to the same rights as humans. The idea that they were created for themselves and their own benefit is fully impeached by God who states specifically that He created all animals for the benefit of mankind.

God Creates Animals For Man, Copyright RCR

The Bible is the final authority on this subject because God is the Creator of all life on earth

As Creator, God has the exclusive right to establish all laws, rules for behavior, and use of the things He made. These benefits include companionship, food, labor, clothing, and even spiritual lessons. Here are some key scriptures:

God Created Animals for Man’s Use and Dominion

Genesis 1:26-28 – “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”

This passage establishes man’s authority over animals.

Genesis 2:19-20 – “Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.”

This shows that animals were created in part for human companionship and as part of man’s stewardship.

Animals as Food and Sustenance

Genesis 9:2-3 – “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.”

After the flood, God explicitly permits humans to eat animals.

Deuteronomy 14:4-5 – “These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.”

God provides guidance on what animals are fit for consumption.

Animals for Labor and Service

Exodus 23:12 – “Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.”

Animals were used in agricultural labor and also required rest.

Deuteronomy 22:10 – “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.”

Animals were vital in farming and productivity.

Animals for Clothing and Materials

Genesis 3:21 – “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”

God provided clothing for Adam and Eve from animal skins.

Proverbs 27:26-27 – “The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.”

This demonstrates the economic and practical value of animals.

Animals as Offerings and Worship

Leviticus 1:2 – “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When any one of you brings an offering to the LORD, you shall bring your offering of the livestock—of the herd and of the flock.’”

Animals played a crucial role in sacrifices and atonement.

Animals for Teaching and Symbolism

Job 12:7-10 – “But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?”

Animals are used to illustrate spiritual truths.

Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

Animals serve as examples for human behavior.

Compassion and Responsibility Toward Animals

Proverbs 12:10 – “A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”

While animals were made for human benefit, people are also responsible for their well-being.

Deuteronomy 25:4 – “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”

Animals should be treated fairly, even when used for labor.

The Bible makes it clear that God created animals for mankind’s benefit, providing food, clothing, labor, companionship, and spiritual lessons. However, humans are also instructed to be responsible stewards, treating animals with kindness and care.

Categories: Robert Clifton Robinson

Tags: Creation in six days, Creation of the Universe