BEWARE OF THE DOGS ! The position and role of dogs in biblical discourse (original) (raw)

One way or another, animal and humans beings are closely connected, whether in harmony or conflict. Animals can be our friends and helpers, but also may become our food. On the other hand in the history of religions, animals as sacrificial offerings have been the means of mediation between people and God(s). In biblical discourse, the relationship between people and animals is depicted either in terms of human superiority over the animal world, ―so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground‖ (Gen 1:26-30) or as a relationship of mutual fear, ―The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands‖. (Gen 9:2). Finally, in biblical discourse, animal are food for humans, ―Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything‖. (Gen 9:3). Here we shall examine biblical bestiary, particularly in relation to the position of dogs in the Bible.

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