Bible Seminar | Rev. Prof Robert Setio, Ph.D.
The Bible contains many unique stories that often pique the curiosity of its readers. Among them are stories about animals that seem to "speak out," "act out of the ordinary," and even get involved in important events in God's work. From Balaam's donkey to the symbolic images in the book of Revelation, the presence of animals in the Bible is not just an addition to the story, but holds deeper meanings to ponder.
Animals in the Creation Narrative
The creation narrative in Genesis places animals in a position that cannot be ignored. They come before humans and are declared "good" by God. This order is not mere chronology, but rather contains theological significance: life is not constructed in a hierarchical manner that negates the other, but rather relationally and interdependently.
As Prof Robert points out, the existence of animals determines the existence of humans. Without animals, there is no human being in the full sense. Thus, the whole of creation forms an integrated whole.
Psalm 104 shows this dimension poetically. God is portrayed as the caretaker of all creation, including wild animals. He feeds the lions and regulates the rhythms of natural life. This image confirms that God's care is not limited to human beings, but encompasses all of creation.
Animals as an Existential Mirror of Man
The story in Genesis 2:18–20 is often read with a focus on the creation of woman. However, before that happens, animals appear as an important part of the process of finding a "compatible helper."
Animals are shaped, presented, confronted with humans, and given names. This process suggests an intense and reflective relationship. Humans do not simply observe, but consider, recognise and give identity. This is where animals function as existential mirrors. Through encounters with animals, humans learn to recognise themselves. Not as the centre of everything, but as part of creation.
This reflection is in line with the thoughts of Jacques Derrida, in his work The Animal That Therefore I Am, recounting an existential experience when he was "stared at" by a cat. He writes that in that gaze he felt "naked," realising his fragility as a human being. This kind of realisation is precisely the entrance to authentic spirituality. For, true self-awareness is not an awareness of power, but rather an awareness of fragility and dependence on God and on the rest of creation.
Animals as Mediums of Revelation: The Story of Balaam
The story in Numbers 22 of Balaam's donkey provides one of the most explicit examples of an animal "speaking." However, the main focus of the story is not on the oddity, but rather on its theological function.
Balaam's donkey saw the angel of the Lord before its master. It stopped, refused to walk, and finally spoke. This action saved Balaam from danger. In this light, animals appear as a medium of revelation. God does not only speak through prophets or humans, but also through other creations. Balaam's donkey "participated in God's saving work."
Therefore, animal voices in the Bible are not just a miraculous phenomenon, but a sign that God can speak through His creation. The question is no longer whether animals can speak, but whether humans are able to hear.
Animals in the Formation of Cosmic Consciousness: The Story of Job
In the book of Job, animals play an important role in shaping the protagonist's consciousness. After a long struggle with suffering, Job is finally "silenced" not by logical answers, but by visions of the greatness of creation, including giant animals like Behemoth.
The animals here become a medium of learning. They expand Job's horizon, from an anthropocentric focus to a cosmic awareness. The animals are used to make Job realise that life is not just about him.
Ethics towards Animals
The Torah pays special attention to ethics towards animals. In Exodus 23, even animals such as oxen and donkeys are to rest on the Sabbath. Furthermore, in Deuteronomy 22:6, there is a command not to take a mother bird with her young. Rabbinic tradition gives two reasons: obedience to God's command, and the formation of human sensibilities.
Here, animal ethics is not simply a matter of protecting other creatures, but of human integrity. How man treats animals reflects his spiritual and moral qualities.
Animal Symbolism
The Bible also uses animals as theological symbols. The serpent in Genesis 3 symbolises ingenuity; the lamb symbolises submission; the lion power; the wolf greed. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb of God" and described as the good shepherd. In the book of Revelation, the heavenly beasts participate in worshipping God in a cosmic liturgy.
These symbols invite the reader to see "beyond" the literal form. Symbols are glass mosaics that reveal a deeper reality.
Salvation in Eschatological Perspective
The Book of Revelation presents a vision of salvation that goes beyond the literal. The Book of Revelation presents a vision of salvation that involves all of creation. Animals are not only present, but participate in worship and the new cosmic order. This shows that God's salvation is holistic. It is not limited to humans, but includes all of creation.
Theologian Jürgen Moltmann asserts, “The community of creation overcomes the isolation of the human being. As such, humans are not a singular centre, but rather part of a wider community of creation.
A Fair Theology for Animals
In the development of theology, there has been an awareness of the importance of animal theology. Theologians such as Andrew Linzey asserted, “If God is just, then God’s justice must embrace all sentient creatures. This challenges the old paradigm that is too anthropocentric.
Also in the encyclical Laudato Si’of Pope Francis affirms, “Each creature possesses its own particular goodness and perfection.”Each creature possesses its own particular goodness and perfection.
The Crisis of Human and Animal Relations
The reality in Indonesia shows that the relationship between humans and animals still faces many challenges. Animal abuse, exploitation, and indifference are common phenomena in society. Prof. Robert reminded that this condition reflects the low awareness of civilisation, “A civilised nation is a nation that respects nature, including animals.” Thus, the ecological crisis and humanitarian crisis go hand in hand.
Pastoral and Ecclesiological Implications
The church is called to respond concretely to this reality, for example:
- Incorporate ecotheology in church formation materials
- Develop a just theology for animals
- Integrate ecotheology in faith education
- Develop creation-inclusive liturgies - Providing services to prevent and protect animals from human cruelty
- Developing a spiritual life based on an awareness of one's own fragility
All of this comes from the realisation that the relationship with animals is part of the relationship with God.
Concluding
From the Garden of Eden to the heavenly throne in Revelation, animals are never truly "silent." They are present in creation, in the fall, in rescue, and in cosmic restoration. So the question reverberates: is the voice from the mouth of the beast a miracle, a myth, or a divine rebuke? The answer may lie in humanity's readiness to listen.
“ Honouring animals is not sentimentality. It is a test of spirituality. For whoever fails to love the creation will find it difficult to understand the Creator.”
(Rev Prof Robert Setio, Ph.D.)
