Hunting
Summary
The practice of pursuing and killing wild animals for food, sport, or protection, mentioned throughout Scripture from the earliest patriarchal times and regulated in the Mosaic law.
☩Biblical Hunters
Scripture names several notable hunters. Nimrod was 'a mighty hunter before the LORD,' with this description serving as a proverb (Genesis 10:9). Esau became 'a skillful hunter, a man of the field,' whose hunting excursions feature prominently in the narrative of Jacob obtaining his blessing (Genesis 27:3-5, 30-33). Ishmael 'became an archer' living in the wilderness (Genesis 21:20). These early hunters represent different aspects of the hunting life—from Nimrod's legendary prowess to Esau's practical provision for his family.
☩Legal Provisions
The Mosaic law regulated hunting in Israel. Leviticus 17:13 required that when anyone hunted and caught a clean bird or animal, they must drain its blood and cover it with earth. This regulation acknowledged hunting as a legitimate activity while maintaining the sanctity of blood. The distinction between clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14) applied to hunted game as well as domesticated animals.
☩Methods and Metaphors
Various hunting methods appear in Scripture: nets and snares for birds (Proverbs 1:17; Ecclesiastes 9:12; Amos 3:5), pits for larger animals (Psalm 35:7), and pursuit of lions (Job 10:16). These methods frequently serve as metaphors: enemies lay snares for the righteous (Psalm 140:5; 141:9-10), and the wicked hunt souls (Ezekiel 13:18). Positively, believers are called to pursue righteousness and godliness as hunters pursue their prey.
Related Verses26 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hunting," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).