The relationship between humans and the natural world in covenantal contexts is a thread which runs from Genesis to Revelation. Hosea’s description of the animal world echoes the account of creation in Genesis 1:26–30, in which humanity is commissioned by God to rule over it in peace and harmony. This is disrupted by humanity’s fall and sin, which triggers ongoing enmity between the two (Genesis 3:14–19). God’s covenant with Noah likewise includes the rest of creation (Genesis 9:9–10). The movement from the flood waters of judgment to the rainbow of mercy fits well with Hosea 2.1 We have already seen how the “beasts of the field” were enlisted by the Lord to help mete out his judgment on Israel (Hosea 2:12). Now God’s promise of reconciliation will include all of creation. Peace and wholeness will reign, both on the vertical and the horizontal planes of existence. This is the end time reversal of the fall, and the renewal of all creation along with God’s people (Revelation 21:1).
18 And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety.