They don’t call them “man’s best friend” for nothing. Dogs have been a part of human history for thousands of years. You can even find mention of dogs in the Bible. In the biblical cultural and literary context, however, dogs were viewed differently than they are today. In ancient times, dogs were scavengers who roamed the streets in often-violent packs as they searched for food scraps to sustain them. As such, they were negatively associated with the lowest social classes.
While dogs were often regarded as unclean animals by the ancient peoples living at the time the Bible was written, an examination of some key verses in the holy book provides a more nuanced perspective on these beloved creatures.
The Importance of Animals in Biblical Teachings
Animals, including dogs, hold significant importance in biblical teachings. They are often used as metaphors and symbols to convey deeper spiritual lessons. The Bible teaches humans to observe and learn from the behavior of animals (see Matthew 6:26-34), recognizing their inherent wisdom and trust in God. There are serious lessons we can learn from that.
In the book of Job, God directs Job to observe various animals, including the behavior of dogs (see Job 38:39-41 and Job 39). Through these observations, Job gains insights into God’s wisdom and power. These passages remind us of the value of closely observing and learning from the natural world, including the animals with whom we share our lives.
Negative Symbolism of Dogs in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, various verses symbolically mention dogs. In Deuteronomy, male prostitutes are associated with dogs:
You shall not bring the hire of a harlot or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God for any votive offering, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 23:18, NASB1995)
One of the most well-known references is found in the book of Psalms, where the psalmist describes himself being surrounded by a pack of dogs (Psalm 22:16). This metaphor is often interpreted as a representation of enemies or adversaries, signifying the psalmist’s need for divine protection. David might have written this when he was on the run from King Saul (see 1 Samuel 21), or he might have written it when he felt threatened by others in the middle, and toward the end, of his reign.
But, what’s even more interesting about this particular passage? Jesus quoted the first part of this psalm as He hung on the cross in Matthew 27 and Mark 15. Jesus Himself felt like He was surrounded by dogs as He took the weight of the world’s sin upon His shoulders. And these weren’t friendly lap dogs. They were angry, snarling dogs bent on evil.
Proverbs 26:11 (NIV) warns:
As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
Here, dogs symbolize the destructive cycle of repeating past mistakes and neglecting to grow in wisdom. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to seek growth and avoid falling into the same old pitfalls.
Jesus used dogs as a warning against those who are not yet ready and willing to hear the truth about Him when He said:
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6, KJV)
Years later, the apostle Paul related dogs to evildoers and false teachers in Philippians 3:2 (NIV):
“Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.”
In Revelation 22:15 (NIV), we see dogs being kept out of heaven with the people who trusted in themselves, instead of in God:
“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
So, what’s up with all the negative imagery related to dogs? The Bible says God hates pride (see Proverbs 8:13), but it doesn’t say anything about God hating dogs.
As I mentioned before, the negative associations with dogs may be purely cultural, not spiritual, in origin. And not every mention of dogs in the Bible sheds them in a bad light.
Dogs in the Bible as Companions, Protectors, Enactors of Justice, and Symbols of God’s Love
In the Bible, dogs are not only portrayed as negative symbols. They also appear as companions and protectors. In the extracanonical book of Tobit, a faithful dog accompanies the protagonist on his journey and helps him in times of need (Tobit 6:1-2). Then, later, the dog is there, waiting to welcome his master home (Tobit 11:4). These story details highlight the loyalty and assistance dogs can provide to humans, emphasizing their roles as trusted companions.
Further, in the story Jesus tells about Lazarus and the rich man, we read about how dogs licked at Lazarus’s wounds in a protective and healing attempt (see Luke 16:19-31). In this case, dogs are portrayed as symbols of loyalty and unconditional love.
Dogs in the Bible appear obedient to the will of God, even when humans aren’t. In the story of Queen Jezebel’s demise, it is prophesied that dogs would devour her flesh (1 Kings 21:23 and 2 Kings 9:10). This prophecy, of course, later came true (2 Kings 9:30-37). This serves as a grim illustration of the consequences that await those who opposed God’s will. It also emphasizes the role of dogs as guardians and enforcers of divine justice.
Finally, dogs feature prominently in the story of the Canaanite woman who pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter. It is a story about the strength of faith and God’s love that involves a metaphor, in which Jesus refers to dogs as representing Gentiles (Matthew 15:21-28). This story ultimately challenges societal prejudices and highlights the universality of God’s love and grace.
The Significance of Dogs in Christian Culture and Traditions
Dogs hold a significant place in Christian culture and traditions. In some Christian denominations, dogs are considered symbols of vigilance and guardianship. They are often depicted in religious art as protectors of the faith and defenders against evil. Somewhat ironic, given their symbolic representation of evil in some of the verses we read above.
Additionally, some Christian saints are associated with dogs. Saint Roch, for example, is often depicted with a dog by his side, symbolizing the dog that brought him food and licked his wounds during his illness. This association, not unlike the view of dogs we get from the Lazarus story Jesus told, further emphasizes the loyalty and companionship dogs can offer in times of need. Incidentally, Saint Roch is the patron saint of dogs.
Lessons We Can Learn about Love from Dogs in the Bible
Dogs in the Bible can teach us valuable lessons about loyalty, unconditional love, and forgiveness. Their unwavering devotion to their owners mirrors the kind of love God has for humanity, as well as the kind of love He wants us to have for others. Dogs offer their affection and loyalty without expecting anything in return, much like the love God freely gives to all. This comparison reminds us of the depth of God’s love and invites us to reciprocate by loving both God and our fellow human beings.
Moreover, the forgiveness that dogs demonstrate towards their owners serves as a powerful reminder of God’s forgiveness. Dogs do not hold grudges or harbor resentment. Instead, they immediately offer forgiveness and a fresh start. This parallels the forgiveness God extends to those who seek redemption and turn to Him. Just as dogs are faithful and forgiving, we are called to display these same attitudes in our relationships with others.
Furthermore, the instinctive protective nature of dogs can serve as a reminder to guard and care for those entrusted to us. Dogs exemplify selflessness and sacrifice, demonstrating the importance of putting others’ needs before our own. These lessons encourage us to cultivate qualities of loyalty, love, and protectiveness in our own lives.
Embracing the Paws-itive Messages in the Bible
Exploring the biblical mentions of dogs reveals a rich tapestry of symbolism, life lessons, and cultural context. Dogs in the Bible teach us about loyalty, unconditional love, forgiveness, and the joy that comes from genuine companionship. They remind us of the depths of God’s love and encourage us to display these qualities in our own lives.
As we embrace the paws-itive messages found in the Bible, let us learn from the wisdom of dogs and strive to embody their virtues. May we be loyal, loving, and protective in our relationships, and may we immediately extend forgiveness and grace to others, as dogs do. By doing so, we can deepen our understanding of God’s teachings and experience the transformative power of embracing these and all other Scriptures.
What other lessons can we learn from dogs in the Bible, and how we can apply them to our daily lives? Share your thoughts and experiences with dogs in the comments!
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