Animals

Creatures formed by God as part of his good creation, entrusted to human care. God created animals on days five and six (Genesis 1:20-25) and brought them to Adam to name (Genesis 2:19-20). Noah preserved animal life through the flood (Genesis 6-9). The law distinguished clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11). Proverbs draws wisdom from the ant, badger, locust, and lizard (30:24-28). Jesus observed that God feeds the birds (Matthew 6:26) and cares for sparrows (10:29). The peaceable kingdom of Isaiah 11:6-9 envisions harmony between predator and prey. Animals reflect God's creativity and care for all life.