the Week of Proper 22 / Ordinary 27
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Bible Dictionaries
Beast
Easton's Bible Dictionary
When used in contradistinction to man (Psalm 36:6 ), it denotes a brute creature generally, and when in contradistinction to creeping things (Leviticus 11:2-7; 27:26 ), a four-footed animal.
The Mosaic law required that beasts of labour should have rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10; 23:12 ), and in the Sabbatical year all cattle were allowed to roam about freely, and eat whatever grew in the fields (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:7 ). No animal could be castrated (Leviticus 22:24 ). Animals of different kinds were to be always kept separate (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:10 ). Oxen when used in threshing were not to be prevented from eating what was within their reach (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1co.9:9 ).
This word is used figuratively of an infuriated multitude (1 Corinthians 15:32; Acts 19:29; Compare Psalm 22:12,16; Ecclesiastes 3:18; Isaiah 11:6-8 ), and of wicked men (2 Peter 2:12 ). The four beasts of Daniel 7:3,17,23 represent four kingdoms or kings.
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Beast'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​b/beast.html. 1897.