The Importance of Animals, According to the Bible

Animals Are Important Because The Bible Says God Never Forgets Them

Ultimately, all animals belong to God (Ps 24:1, 50:7–11). Accordingly, a few verses state or imply that God never forgets animals. These verses indicate that the Lord values and places importance on them regardless of how little humans do. For instance, Luke 12:6 states, ‘Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.’ Likewise, Matthew 10:29 states, ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.’ Therefore, humans should value and place importance on animals just as the Lord does (5:48).

Animals Are Important Because They Were Present at Momentous Biblical Events in Jesus’ Life

The Bible implies or states that animals were present at important events in Jesus’ life. For instance, it is implied that animals were present at Christ’s birth (Luke 2:4–7). Likewise, animals were present during Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matt 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13). Additionally, to fulfill prophecy (Zech 9:9), Christ triumphantly rode a donkey colt (with another donkey in tow) into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–16). Christ is the most essential individual that ever lived (14:6). By association, animals are important because they were present at momentous biblical events in Jesus’ life.

Animals Are Biblically Important Because They Teach Christians to Be Humble

Animals are more responsible in their roles than humans are. The most significant biblical example is that animals are not responsible for the Fall, but humans are (Gen 3:1–24). Recall that God designed humans and animals to be immortal and live in a peaceful vegan paradise (Gen 1:20–31; Rom 8:18–25). However, Adam’s sin (Gen 2:16–3:6) brought death (3:19; Ecc 3:18–20; Rom 5:12–21; 1 Cor 15:21–22), disease (Gen 3:16), violence (6:11–13), and natural calamities (3:17–18; Rom 8:18–25) – ruining that paradise. Therefore, humanity (not animals), by representation through Adam (5:12–21), is responsible for all of the problems in the world. Additionally, the Bible indicates that animals have spiritual insight that humans generally do not. For instance, Balaam’s donkey saw an angel standing on a road (Num 22:21–27) that Balaam could not. It was not until God gave Balaam the ability that he finally saw the angel the donkey saw all along (22:31–35)! Humans typically suffer from pride before other species, which God abhors (Prov 8:13, 16:5). Animals are biblically important because outshining humans with their heightened spiritual perception and being more responsible in their roles should make Christians humble, which pleases the Lord (Ps 149:4; Prov 22:4).