The Definition of the word Beast

Beast

This word is used of flocks or herds of grazing animals (Ex. "22:5; Num. 20:4, 8, 11; Ps. 78:48); of beasts of burden (Gen." 45:17); of eatable beasts (Prov. 9:2); and of swift beasts or dromedaries (Isa. 60:6). In the New Testament it is used of a domestic animal as property (Rev. 18:13); as used for food (1 "Cor. 15:39), for service (Luke 10:34; Acts 23:24), and for" sacrifice (Acts 7:42). "When used in contradistinction to man (Ps. 36:6), it denotes a "brute creature generally, and when in contradistinction to" "creeping things (Lev. 11:2-7; 27:26), a four-footed animal." "The Mosaic law required that beasts of labour should have rest "on the Sabbath (Ex. 20:10; 23:12), and in the Sabbatical year" "all cattle were allowed to roam about freely, and eat whatever" grew in the fields (Ex. 23:11; Lev. 25:7). No animal could be castrated (Lev. 22:24). Animals of different kinds were to be always kept separate (Lev. 19:19; Deut. 22:10). Oxen when used in threshing were not to be prevented from eating what was within their reach (Deut. 25:4; 1 Cor. 9:9). "This word is used figuratively of an infuriated multitude (1 "Cor. 15:32; Acts 19:29; comp. Ps. 22:12, 16; Eccl. 3:18; Isa." "11:6-8), and of wicked men (2 Pet. 2:12). The four beasts of" "Daniel 7:3, 17, 23 represent four kingdoms or kings."