Looking at the New Testament for indications of the role of animals in God’s creation yields limited results for several reasons. Firstly, the New Testament builds upon the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures and therefore does not feel the need to restate what has been previously established. Secondly, the primary focus of the New Testament is on the formation of the church, with its writings primarily addressing the immediate needs of this mission.
God communicates with animals – The covenant that I write over and over about
God communicated with animals by guiding them to Noah’s Ark. In Genesis, God instructed Noah to construct the ark to safeguard himself, his family, and the land-dwelling creatures from the impending flood. Instead of instructing Noah to gather the animals, God directed him to lead them onto the ark (Gen. 6:19), meaning Noah didn’t have to round them up. As the flood approached, the animals “went into the ark to Noah” (Gen. 7:9) in response to God’s call.
Another instance of God communicating with animals is seen in the story of the prophet Elijah. Fleeing from King Ahab of Israel, Elijah sought refuge east of the Jordan River. God commanded ravens to bring him food, and they obeyed (1 Kings 17:4-6). We know that they can sense earthquakes. We know that monkeys and other animals know how to self-treat in the wild (wounds etc). How?
Spirituality
Animals might possess a deeper awareness of spiritual realities than we commonly acknowledge. The story of Balaam and his donkey sheds light on this notion, suggesting that animals can perceive angels (Numbers 22:21-33). In this account, the donkey’s ability to see the angel spared Balaam from a fatal encounter with the Angel of the Lord. Unlike humans, who typically only see angels when the angels choose to reveal themselves, the donkey in this story perceived the angel independently. This is evident in the fact that the text does not state the angel made itself known to the donkey but simply acknowledges that the donkey saw the angel. Furthermore, the donkey’s actions seem to have run counter to the angel’s intentions, as indicated by the angel’s words to Balaam (refer to verse 33). While one might assume that the angel wanted the donkey to assist Balaam in avoiding harm, the text does not explicitly support this interpretation. Instead, it appears that the donkey thwarted the angel’s plans unintentionally. The donkey’s ability to see the angel without any aid from the angel is underscored by the need for divine intervention for the donkey to speak (verse 28). The absence of mention regarding the donkey being enabled to see the Angel of the Lord further emphasizes this point. While it is not advisable to construct elaborate doctrines based on a single event, this narrative prompts significant contemplation regarding the relationship between animals and the spiritual realm.
Animals and reasoning
Animals possess reasoning abilities that some underestimate, attributing their actions to instinct rather than intelligence. However, animals often demonstrate problem-solving skills and communication efforts surpassing survival instincts. An example of animal intelligence can be found in the biblical account of Balaam’s donkey, which showed quick thinking by avoiding danger from an unseen angel. Moreover, animals have been observed using tools to obtain food and displaying behaviors that indicate an understanding of danger. These actions suggest a level of reasoning that goes beyond basic survival instincts. While instinct plays a role in animal behavior, it is evident that animals also exhibit reasoning capabilities. Additionally, the story of Balaam’s donkey implies that animals may have a heightened awareness of spiritual realities, as the donkey could see the angel without the angel’s direct revelation. This raises questions about the potential relationship between animals and the spiritual world, highlighting the depth of their perception and understanding.
Animals can solve puzzles like our boy. Trick you to get treats using reasoning. Sure they can’t do calculus but so can’t many (not Gabby’s parents who are skilled in this)
Innocence
In Robert Bolt’s play, A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas More provides a profound explanation of God’s reasons for creating angels, animals, plants, and humans. Sir Thomas More notes that God formed animals “for their innocence,” offering a concise depiction of animals’ nature. Animals seem to lack the ability for moral contemplation, carrying out their actions without moral judgment. This perspective is reinforced by scripture, which highlights that humans, not animals, consumed from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:1-7).
Animals demonstrate the concept of innocence, which plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of justice. When we witness acts of cruelty towards animals, our natural aversion stems from a fundamental recognition of their innocence and vulnerability. This innate response parallels the principles underlying our criminal justice system, where punishments are imposed for offenses against innocence and vulnerability. In the context of divine justice, animals also serve as a conduit for learning. The ancient practice of substitutionary atonement in Israel, involving the sacrifice of innocent animals to address human sin, symbolized the ultimate sacrifice of the innocent Son of God as an eternal substitute for humanity’s transgressions.