From Dominion to Behemoth: The Relationship Between Humans and Animals in Genesis and Job

The relationship between humans and animals in the Book of Genesis has been viewed as that of master and slave or at least king and subject. However, modern scholars as well as Christian environmentalists are beginning to question that interpretation of God creating humans to be masters or rulers over the earth and animals. Some suggest that a better translation is not “dominion” but rather “stewardship.” There are other hints in Genesis that God views animals and humans as potential allies on equal footing. Moreover, in the Book of Job, the voice of God speaking from the whirlwind has little to say about humans, but a great deal to say about God’s care for and intimate knowledge of nature, including deer and ostriches, hippos and whales. The implication of these two books is that to really comprehend our place in the cosmos, we humans had better try to understand this God’s-eye-view, that is, the deep connection among the divine, animals, and humans.