Relationship With Humans
The Bible places a strong emphasis on the relationship between humans and dogs. In Exodus 22:31, it states that man shall be punished if a dog is hurt or killed. The Bible also encourages people to be kind to animals. Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast”. These scriptures show that people are responsible for caring for and protecting their animals, including dogs. This is further demonstrated through the story of Jesus in the New Testament and his relationship with a dog. A Canaanite woman had brought her daughter to Jesus, and Jesus initially refused to help her. But the woman persisted and Jesus then said the woman was a “dog”, pointing out her faith and persistence. Jesus then healed the daughter, demonstrating his mercy and compassion.
Symbolism
Dogs are often used in the Bible as symbols for either good or evil. In Proverbs 26:11, dogs are seen as a warning against sin and wrong-doers: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” On the other hand, dogs are seen as loyal, faithful and humble in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”. Dogs are often portrayed as a symbol of meekness, humility, and peace.
Protection
In the Old Testament, dogs are seen as protectors of humans. In Deuteronomy 23:18, it states “Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dogs”. This implies that dogs were valuable just like a servant or worker. Dogs were also used to ward off evil spirits or predators. In the New Testament, Jesus’ disciples were protected by a dog in their journey to Emmaus. This shows how dogs were relied upon for protection.
Humility
In the Bible, dogs are often seen as symbols of humility. Psalm 22:16 states “They have opened their mouths against me. Like a ravening and a roaring lion.” In this passage, the image of a lion is used as a metaphor for Satan. The image of a lion often symbolizes arrogance and pride. In contrast, dogs represent humility and meekness.
Helpfulness
Dogs are often used to symbolize helpfulness and loyalty. In the Old Testament, Ruth 3:9 shows that dogs were used to show the helpfulness of humans. “Who art thou? And she answered, “I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” The symbol of a dog is often used to represent helpfulness and loyalty as well.
Loyalty
Throughout the Bible, dogs are seen as symbols of loyalty. Dogs are faithful companions to humans, and this is shown through the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. In each of these parables, Jesus talks about how a person should be loyal, just like a dog. The Bible also encourages people to be loyal to God. Proverbs 3:3-4 reads “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
Love
The Bible emphasizes the importance of humans loving one another. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus tells his disciples “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Dogs are often seen as symbols of love, as they are loyal and devoted to humans.
Healing
The Bible also shows how dogs can be used for healing. In the Old Testament, there is a story of a man who was healed after being bitten by a dog. In 2 Kings 8:7-9, it reads “And there was a certain man of the servants of the king of Syria, sick of a disease. And the man said unto Elisha, ‘I pray thee, let the Lord put a word on my disease.’ And Elisha sent a messenger unto the man saying, ‘Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.’” This story showcases how God used a dog to heal a man.
Trustworthiness
The Bible also stresses the importance of being trustworthy. Proverbs 3:3-4 reads “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Dogs are often viewed as symbols of trustworthiness and faithfulness. Dogs are loyal and devoted to humans and will always be there for them, no matter what.
The Faithful Companion
The Bible paints a picture of dogs being faithful companions to humans. Genesis 24:45 says “And before he had finished speaking, behold Rebekah came out… with her jars upon her shoulders.” In this passage, Rebekah is accompanied by a dog, highlighting the concept of faithfulness and loyalty embodied in a human-canine bond. Dogs are often seen as symbols of protection, loyalty, humility, and trustworthiness in the Bible. This highlights the special bond that humans and dogs share and encourages us to be faithful and loyal to our canine companions.
Prosperity
The importance of being prosperous is a prevalent theme in the Bible. Proverbs 22:4 states: “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honour and life.” Dogs are often seen as a symbol of prosperity in the Bible, as they can be used to help humans in their daily lives. Dogs are capable of carrying out tasks such as herding, hunting, and protecting their owners from danger. This highlights their importance to humans and the positive effect that having a canine companion can have on one’s life.
Shepherding
The concept of shepherding is a central theme in the Bible. In Psalm 23:2 it states, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Dogs are often used in this metaphor, as they are loyal and protective of their flock. Dogs help their owners to stay safe by acting as guides and detecting potential threats. Dogs are also used in the Bible as symbols of a good shepherd, representing someone who faithfully cares for and protects their people.
Predators
The importance of guarding against potential predators is discussed in the Bible. In 1 Peter 5:8, it reads “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Dogs are often seen as symbols of protection from potential predators, conveying the idea that humans should be vigilant and prepared for danger. Dogs are loyal and capable of detecting potential threats and warning their owners of the danger. This highlights the importance of having a canine companion by your side to guard against potential threats.
