Abstract

WUNCH, Hans-Georg. Does God Care about the Oxen? Some Thoughts on the Protection of Animals in the Law Texts of the OT from a Canonical Perspective. Old testam. essays [online]. 2020, vol.33, n.3, pp.538-555. ISSN 2312-3621.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2020/v33n3a10.

In 1 Cor 9:9, Paul cites Deut 25:4 ("Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain") and asks, "Is it about oxen that God is concerned?" This question seems to be waiting for the definitive answer, "No, it is not." Is Paul really saying that God is not concerned about the oxen? This paper considers various passages in the OT (especially law texts) that appear to deal with the protection of animals. The thesis is that God is indeed concerned about animals. Since God is the creator of everything, he cares for his entire creation. The article discusses the OT texts from a canonical perspective, looking for the common ideas instead of discussing possible developments of thoughts. It understands the biblical law texts concerning creation as examples of an "order of creation" (R. Murray), which lies behind these laws.

Keywords : Animal protection; Old Testament law; Biblical theology; Creation care.

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