Nonhuman Animals in Pentateuchal Law Codes

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ID: 339006
2026
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Abstract
Abstract This examination of animals in the Pentateuchal law codes considers animals in all their facets and interactions, and notes the following tension therein: animals are agents and part of the broader community, animals are victims to be avenged and cared for by humans, and yet animals are also allowed to be eaten and sacrificed. When looking at the overall picture of animals as portrayed in the Pentateuchal law codes, animals are not equal to humans in the sanctity of their lives, but they are still agents with personhood. Their lives are valuable and sacred all the same, many times in contrast to the view of animals in the ancient Near East or today. The trajectory in the law codes is toward care and protection, since even when eaten and sacrificed, only certain ones can be killed, and the amount is limited. The Pentateuchal law codes ultimately call for animals to have rights, to be treated with care, and for humans to exhibit care and servanthood toward animals rather than tyrannical rule.
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openalex_W7225383812 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors A Rahel Wells
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Journal Oxford University Press eBooks
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/9780191986376.003.0018
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191986376.003.0018
Keywords Keywords not found

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