Job

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NASB	Job 12:7 ¶ "But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you.
AMPLIFIED 2015	Job 12:7 ¶ "Now ask the animals, and let them teach you [that God does not deal with His creatures according to their character]; And ask the birds of the air, and let them tell you;

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Bible Question: Mommapbs,

Thanks for sharing. I can relate to both things you have learned from Creation and I agree with you that "all creation is a testimony to THE Creator."

However, my question relates more to another remark you made, i.e. "but only man can KNOW God in the relational, intimate sense of the word." Do you have any biblical references that support this exclusivity of knowing?

In terms of your remark, my question may be restated in two parts, "if Creation is a testimony to the Creator, to whom is this testimony directed?"

and

"if all creatures are witness to this, what does that imply about their awareness and/or relationship with the Creator?"

The verses I cited seem to suggest that at least some kinds of animals know that God is responsible for Creation, e.g. "Who among all these (beasts, birds, earth, fish) does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?" -- Job 12:10

What else does the Bible say about animals and God?

Parable

Bible Answer: Greeting Parable!

Of all God's creation, only MAN was made in His image. Also, man is the only creation of God that possesses a soul (Gen 2:7)

Since God is relational, so are we. Note how God said in Gen 2:18 "It is not good for the man to be alone so I will make him a companion . . ."

We know that since the Fall,God is actively seeking to restore His love relationship with man that was lost in the Garden. (God's quest begins in Gen 3:8!)

Re: awareness and relationship
Numbers 22:21-34 tells that a donkey is aware of the presence of the angel of God. But our awareness of God is different - note that although the donkey saw, the LORD had to open Balaam's eyes to see the angel.(v 31)It is also interesting to note that the angel would have killed Balaam and spared the donkey if the animal had proceeded! The donkey knew an obstacle was in the way and acted instinctively. Note how Balaam responded when he learned the truth! Animals react, people "respond relationally."

We (not animals) are aware of God because God sets eternity in OUR hearts (Ecc.3:11) There is indeed a future to hope for with a God who loves us and just longs to have us return His love!

You asked:"if Creation is a testimony to the Creator, to whom is this testimony directed?"
Romans 1:18-20 has the answer.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they (MANKIND) are without excuse." v 20

What else does the Bible say about animals and God?

1. Man was made to be a master over the animals.(Gen 1:26)
2. Adam was charged with naming them. (Gen 3:19-20)
3. God used animals to "clothe" Adam and Eve (Gen3:21) It's interesting to note that the first substitutional sacrifice parallels God's desire to provide a suitable companion for man. The blood of animals was not "suitable," and thanks be to God, just as He provided Eve as a suitable companion for Adam, He came Himself- Jesus, the ONLY PERFECT sacrifice- to pay the penalty for our sin!)Boy that was a tangent!
4. Might we infer that God loves his creatures as He spared animals from the flood as well as Noah and his family? (Gen 6:19-20)
5. Jesus is called the LAMB of God. (John 1:36)
6. A horse is seen by John in Heaven (Rev 19:11)

Well, this is about all I have time for. Perhaps others would like to add to this so why not re-post your question?

Blessings!

Mommapbs