Some Unique Animal Accounts In The Bible

Some Unique Animal accounts in the Bible

If there’s one thing the Bible isn’t short on, it’s weird animal stories. Such tales include Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the whale, and Daniel in the lion’s den—well-known narratives that point to an incredibly creative God who uses whatever He desires to bring about His will.

But what about Scripture’s lesser-known animal stories? Stories that are downright strange and bizarre—seemingly pointless, even—which often leave readers scratching their heads, wondering, Who would have thought?

1. Ravens Supply Food for Elijah (1 Kings 17:2-6)

After the prophet Elijah courageously told evil King Ahab, who ruled the northern kingdom from 874-853 BC, that there will be “no dew or rain during the next few years,” God told Elijah to hide at the brook of Cherith across the Jordan. It is there God provided nourishment for Elijah in the most unique way: “Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I commanded them to bring you food.”

Isn’t that just like our loving God—our tender anticipator of every need—to creatively provide for his children? To know he may use any means he wants, even birds, to take care of us should bring rest to the most desperate of souls.

2. Aaron's Staff Becomes a Serpent (Exodus 7:6-12)

Filled with blockbuster movie inspiration, Moses and Aaron’s ministry of deliverance had quite the impressive kick-off. Before visiting Pharaoh, God knew the ruler would demand of them a powerful sign, so the Lord said, “When he does this, say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, and it will become a serpent.’” Sure enough, Aaron’s staff turned into a serpent before their very eyes.

Of course, Pharaoh couldn’t stand to be outdone, so he immediately called his own magicians to do the same thing with their staffs—and they found success. But what happened next serves as an ominous reminder to all who try assuming the upper hand with God: Aaron’s staff-turned-snake swallowed up the magicians’ snakes—gulp!

3. Noah's Raven and Dove (Genesis 8:6-19)

To determine if the floodwaters had receded enough for Noah and his family to exit the ark, he opened the window he had made and released a raven. It never returned. He then sent a dove, only to have it fly back because she “found no place to set her foot.” The second time Noah released the dove, she came back with an olive leaf in her mouth. The third time, she didn’t come back at all, signaling to Noah she had found a home on dry land, high time for he and his family to do the same.

Why did he first send the raven, then the dove? Perhaps God had a point to make. Because of the raven’s nature, it may have been content to feed off dead animals floating in the water, satisfied with scraps and no real sense of home—similar to a life without Christ. The dove couldn’t find rest until she set her feet on solid ground—similar to a life built on Christ.

4. Balaam's Talking Donkey (Numbers 22)

As the Israelites neared their Promised Land, they got close to the land of Moab—a little too close if you were to ask King Balak. So, he sent his messengers to Balaam, a local prophet who meddled in sorcery, requesting that he put a curse on the encroaching Israelites. Though he didn’t say yes right away, Balaam saddled-up his donkey and set out with the Moabite officials.

Along the way, a superhero-esque angel of the Lord blocked the road, complete with drawn sword in hand. It was a frightening scene only the donkey saw, making her bolt into a field, which prompted a beating from Balaam. Then after the angel’s third appearance—after the donkey’s third beating from Balaam—”the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. ‘What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?’”

That’s not all. Balaam and his donkey proceeded to have an actual conversation—an argument of sorts—which ended when God opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel of the Lord standing in the road. And, of course, he did what any smart person would do in his shoes: he fell face down.

5. Peter Finds a Coin in the Fish's Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27)

In order to keep the Temple in working order, all Jewish males had to pay a Temple tax. Even though Jesus and Peter weren’t bound to this requirement, Jesus said, “However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

This is a story of God’s selfless generosity, divine power, knowledge, and love. For him to make sure a shekel (worth four drachmas, the exact amount needed for two people, Peter and Jesus, to pay the tax) was dropped into the sea, to make sure a fish sucked it up without swallowing it, and to make sure the same fish was near Peter’s hook—or whether Jesus arranged for the coin to appear out of nowhere—this bizarre account reveals that He is the only One worthy of our worship.