Human-Animal Relations in Classical Prophecy

This chapter investigates the use the Latter (classical) Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Minor Prophets) make of animals in their utterances, exploring the representations of human-animal relations in light of the historical reality of the period and theoretical literature and the ethical aspects of human-animal interaction.The extensive citation of faunal images in the prophetic literature reflects the writers’ focus upon returning the people to God and acting ethically.They thus frequently depict God as a shepherd who takes pity on his flock and the Israelites as animals who should be loyal to their master.Fauna also symbolize fierce enemies and people under assault—a phenomenon paralleled in the royal Assyrian and Babylonian annals.Serving as an instrument of punishment in God’s hands, they raise questions regarding ethical judgment and treatment.