In Genesis 1:26-27, God created man (humans) in His own image. This was not said of any animal or even any angel. He also commanded man to have dominion over all animal life (vs26,28). In addition to that, He commanded man to subdue the earth (vs 28).
God has placed within animal life a deep fear of man. What else could explain man's ability to tame animals that could kill a man in an instant. We tame a horse that weight from 800 pounds to over 2,000 pounds. We either saddle or harness this animal to do our bidding. This animal has the capability to kill us with little effort. We tame and train large breed dogs also to do our bidding. If one of those chose to bite our neck it would be like eating a piece of sausage. We go to a circus and watch a man or woman go into a cage full of the largest cats in the world. At his/her command, they do his/her bidding. Even when some people are killed by animals, it is out of fear, not bravado.
The command to subdue the earth means to make the earth and all therein useful for mankind. This includes agriculture, timber, all minerals, energy and anything else we can take from the earth that is useful to us.
With all of that said, we also are given a stewardship to protect, maintain and care for this earth upon which God has placed us. As was mentioned in a previous blog, we know of no other planet in the universe that can support life as we know it. God will hold us accountable for this charge as He does for our sin. For sin He has given a remedy through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16;John 5:11-13).
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