Net maar diere? ʼn Tematiese oorsig van die plek van die diereryk in die skepping volgens geselekteerde Skrifgedeeltes

Abstract

A thematic survey of the place of the animal kingdom in God’s world according to<br />some Scripture passages<br />In a time of growing ecological awareness it may prove valuable to trace the place<br />which the animal kingdom according to the Scriptures takes in God’s world. The<br />relevant material unfolds as follows:<br />Every animal unique;<br />The Creator’s compassion on animals;<br />Animals as examples to humans;<br />Animal images for God;<br />Animal images for God’s people;<br />The messianic kingdom sketched by way of animal images;<br />The significance of animal sacrifices in salvation history;<br />Animal service during Jesus’ earthly ministry;<br />The “Prayer relationship” between Creator and animals.<br />As God’s image bearers, who have been appointed to rule over the animal world<br />(Gen. 1: 27-28), it is our duty and privilege to behave in such a way towards them<br />that they will thereby be better enabled to fulfil the significance of their existence in<br />God’s world.