Does God Toy With His Creatures?

"There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein." 

(Psalm 104: 26)

"Can you make it (Leviathan) a pet like a bird, or give it to your little girls to play with?" 

(Job 41:5 NLT) 

In the verses above the great sea monster, Leviathan, is pictured as being one of God's pets. Think of that! Then ponder how God describes this monster in Job 41! 

In Pagan mythology many of the gods had pets. Hades was famous for his pet Cerberus, the ferocious three headed dog and Athene had her pet owl which was with her always. So, does the God of the bible also have pets? Yes, and Leviathan is one. Think of that again. A creature of such chaos and calamity as Leviathan is nothing but a lap dog to its Creator!  So God asks Job - “Will you play with him as with a bird or will you put him on a leash for your girls?” Or, "will you make a pet of him?" The implied answer is, “Of course not!” Also implied is the fact that apparently God did make Leviathan to be his pet.  Can you (Job) tame him? Make him your pet?

So does God have pets? Toys? Does he toy or play with any of his creatures besides Leviathan? Does he view the elect angels and his redeemed people as pets? 

Was God toying with Job in suffering him to be played with by "the Satan"? Was God playing a game with Satan when he made wager with him concerning Job? Was God toying with Abraham when he told him to go to Mt. Moriah and kill his son (presenting him as a burnt offering), knowing all along that he would not suffer Isaac to be killed? Do you ever feel like God is toying with you? In testing and trying us, does it not at least seem to us that God is toying with us? Do we ever feel like we are a pawns in the chess game of providence? 

I did a Google search on this question ("does God have pets") and saw where very few suggested web pages addressed that question and those which did affirmed that God does have pets. But, Google kept referring me to pages where the question of God loving animals, or of whether they go to heaven, etc. is addressed, but that is not the subject of this investigation.

Did Jesus have pet animals when he was a child? I see no reason to think that he did not. Perhaps he did have a pet dog. He was a normal child in such respects. 

Got Questions web page addresses the question "What does the Bible say about pets?" and says:

"In Western society, pets have never been more popular. Many homes are graced with the presence of a cat or a dog—or a hamster, turtle, goldfish, chinchilla, newt, parakeet, or gecko. Everything from albino pythons to hissing cockroaches are caged and kept as pets. The Bible does not really address the issue of keeping pets. The only possible example of a pet owner is the poor man in Nathan’s parable, a man who “had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him” (2 Samuel 12:3). We can draw some conclusions about pets, however, based on what the Bible says on other topics.

Psalm 147:9 tells us that God is concerned for all His creation, including the animals He created: “He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.” In Psalm 104:21, we see that “the lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God”; it is implied that God feeds them. Also, in Luke 12:6 Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.”

So, it does seem that all may be viewed to be God's pets on some level.

We have all heard of the expression "teacher's pet." We also know that many parents, if they have several children, will often have a favorite among them. Does God also? We know that Joseph was the favorite son of old Jacob, loving him more than his other sons (See Gen. 37: 3-4). We also may surely say that the Lord Jesus Christ, "the man Christ Jesus," was God's favorite Son! 

Said one writer (See here):

"God does not play favorites. This isn’t my opinion. It’s in His word. Ephesians 6:9 says, “And there is no favoritism with him.” In Acts chapter 10 verse 34, Peter even said “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.”

But those texts are an interpretation rather than a translation, for most translations say "there is no respect of persons with him." To show respect of persons is not the same thing as having favorites. To respect persons means to show favor because someone's person is different in socio-economic circumstances. A case example would be God favoring the rich because he is rich. 

Some argue that for God to unconditionally elect one to salvation and refuse another is an example of God showing respect of persons. But, this is not so for God is not choosing one because he has made himself different from another. Ironically, it is the Arminian idea of a conditional election that says God chooses those who make themselves believers (and thus different) by their own free will and effort. 

However, consider that David is said to be "a man after God's own heart," and this seems to mean he was more favored by God. Not all are equally favored in every respect. The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with these words: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Got Questions web page addresses the question "Does God have favorites?" (here) They say: "Whether or not God has favorites is a tricky question because it is based upon our human understanding of favoritism, which usually means unfair treatment of anyone who is not favored." 

Consider also the fact that anyone's personal circumstances are the result of God's providence. So Paul asked rhetorically - "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (I Cor. 4: 7 NIV) 

Further, the apostle John is specially called "the disciple whom Jesus loved." (John 21:20, etc.) Though many think that such a title does not mean that Christ had more love for John than for other of his disciples, others do not agree, nor do I. However, though we will all be equally loved and favored in heaven, it is not so as respects our relationship to the Lord while we live and serve him on earth. I agree with Spurgeon on this point. Said Spurgeon in preaching upon this text (see here for sermon):

"Our Lord loved all his disciples:— “having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” He said to all the apostles, “I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” And yet within that circle of love there was an innermost place in which the beloved John was favoured to dwell: upon the mountain of the Saviour’s love there was a knoll, a little higher than the rest of the mount, and there John was made to stand, nearest to his Lord. Let us not, because John was specially loved, think less, even in the slightest degree, of the love which Jesus Christ gave forth to the rest of his chosen. I take it, brethren, that those who display an extraordinary love to one are all the more capable of great affection to many; and therefore, because Jesus loved John most, I have an enhanced estimate of his love to the other disciples. It is not for a moment to be supposed that any one suffered from his supreme friendship for John. John was raised, and they were not lowered, but raised with him. All believers are the dear objects of the Saviour’s choice, the purchase of his blood, his portion and inheritance, the jewels of his crown. If in John’s case one is greater in love than another, yet all are eminently great, and therefore if it should so happen that you dare not hope to reach the height of John, and cannot look to be distinguished above others as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” yet be very thankful to be among the brotherhood who can each say, “He loved me, and gave himself for me.” If you have not attained unto the first three, be happy to belong to the host of those who follow the Son of David. It is a matchless privilege, and an unspeakable honour, to enjoy the love of Jesus, even if you march among the rank and file of the armies of love. Our Lord’s love to each of us hath in it heights immeasurable and depths unfathomable it passeth knowledge."

That view however is rejected by many who refuse to believe that the words imply that John was loved more than the other disciples, or was more favored. But, I agree with Spurgeon. That is the ordinary meaning of the words. 

Spurgeon went on to say:

"Yet would I not utter this word of good cheer to make you remain at ease in a low state of grace; far rather would I excite you to rise to the highest point of love; for if already the Lord has loved you with an everlasting love, if already he has chosen you and called you, and kept you and instructed you, and forgiven you, and manifested himself to you, why should you not hope that another step or two may yet be taken, and that so you may climb to the very highest eminence? Why should you not ere long be styled like Daniel, a “man greatly beloved”? or like John, “that disciple whom Jesus loved”?"

I agree. He also said:

"To be loved as John was, with a special love, is an innermost form of that same grace with which all believers have been favoured. You must not imagine when I try to exhibit some of the lovable traits of John’s character, that I would have you infer that the love of Christ went forth towards John in any other way than according to the law of grace; for whatever there was that was lovable in John it was wrought in him by the grace of God. Under the law of works John would have been as surely condemned as any of us, and there was nothing legally deserving in John. Grace made him to differ, just as truly as grace separates the vilest sinner from among the ungodly. Though it be granted that there were certain natural characteristics which made him amiable, yet God is the creator of all that is estimable in man, and it was not till the natural had been by grace transformed and transfigured into the spiritual that these things became the subject of the complacency of Christ Jesus. Brethren, we do not speak of John to-day as if he were loved because of his works, or stood higher in the heart of Christ on the ground of personal merit, whereof he might glory. He, like all the rest of his brethren, was loved of Jesus because Jesus is all love, and chose to set his heart upon him. Our Lord exercised a sovereignty of love, and chose John for his own name’s sake; and yet at the same time there was created in John much that was a fit object for the love of Christ. The love of Jesus was shed abroad in John’s heart, and thus John himself was made fragrant with delightful odours. It was all of grace: the supposition of anything else is out of place. I look upon this special form of our Lord’s love as one of those “best gifts” which we are bidden earnestly to covet— but a gift most emphatically, and not a wage or a purchasable commodity. Love is not bought. It never talks of price or claim. Its atmosphere is free favour."

Perhaps we can say that John was "the teacher's pet," the favorite of Christ. This reminds me of a scene in one of the episodes of "Andy Griffith Show" involving Opie and his words about being the "teacher's pet."

Andy- If that's homework you're doin', this is a fine time. Why didn't you do it last night? 

Opie - I'll be finished in just a minute, Paw. 

Andy - You better buckle down. You got another report card due, you know. 

Opie - I ain't worried. 

Andy - What makes you so sure? 

Opie - I think the teacher likes me now. 

Andy - Liking's got nothing to do with it. The teacher don't give out good marks 'cause she likes you, you know. 

Opie - Look at Barbie Tyler. She's teacher's pet, and she always gets good marks. 

Andy - Maybe she's teacher's pet because she gets good marks. You ever think of that?

Maybe John was more highly loved by our Lord because John had a greater love for the Master, wanting a more intimate relationship to the Lord than did the others. After all, it is also said of him uniquely, not only that the Lord loved him, but that he is the one who rested on the chest (breast) of Christ on the sofa. So it is written - "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved." (John 13: 23) Oftentimes a parent has a closer tie and more loving affection for a child who has an inordinate desire to spend time in the lap of his or her parent, or being more interested in spending time with a parent. Not only is John singled out as being one who Jesus loved, but we are also told in scripture that Jesus loved Mary and Martha and Lazarus. (John 11: 5)

God says to us via "Wisdom": "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." (Prov. 8: 17) That seems to suggest that God's love towards his children is in proportion to their love for him. Yes, all are loved by the Lord and will be forever equally loved by him in glory throughout eternity. Yet, in this life, while they are immature children, some of them may be more loved and favored of God, and this will be shown by God's relationship with them. Another verse that seems to show this is the word of Jude, the brother of the Lord, who said: "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 21)

But, back to God toying with us. I listened to a video by Muslims titled "Is God toying with us? Are we entertainment for Him?" (here) They did not really address the issue, not really giving a clear and definitive answer. So, when we say that someone is toying with us, what do we mean? Merriam-Webster says it means "to deal with or control (someone or something) in a clever and usually unfair or selfish way."

Another dictionary gives these definitions and examples (See here):

1. To consider or think about an idea or plan. I've been toying with the idea of starting my own business. 

2. To deliberately attempt to evade, deceive, or misinform someone (about something) in order to manipulate them or achieve some desired outcome. Quit toying with me, Karen—I know that you're involved in this deal! The serial killer is toying with the police, leaving false clues everywhere to muddy the investigation. 

3. To tease someone. I'm just toying with you, James—I really do like that jacket. 

4. To treat something as a plaything in order to idly amuse oneself. Cats are known for toying with their prey. I don't think she's actually interested in him at all. I think she just likes toying with his emotions.

Well, with those definitions, let us ask 1) Does God toy with his creatures? with humans? 2) Do Christians sometimes feel as if God is toying with them? That he seemingly toys with us? 

Did God tempt Abraham? Yes. (See Gen. 22: 1) Was his tempting Abraham in the matter of the killing of Isaac not a kind of toying with him? Also, as we have already mentioned, did God not also tempt and try the prophet Job? Was it also not a kind of toying with Job? 

In fact, there are several places in scripture where God is said to do something for the purpose of seeing what will happen. Of course, this is to be interpreted anthropomorphically, for God foresees all things. An example is in these words:

"You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." (Deut. 8: 2)

Again, literally, God already knew what was in the heart of the people before he tested them. But, he speaks as a man in the language of men, anthropomorphically, and says he tests in order to know. It was language that expresses the fact that obedience would be the proof of the condition of the heart or inner man.

"And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." Gen. 22: 12)

Again, in testing or toying with Abraham, God said after Abraham passed the test "now I know that you fear God." But, again, God already knew and such language is intended to simply tell us that Abraham's faith and loyalty to Jehovah had been proven real and authentic.

So, does God ever deceive in any way? I expect some who are quick to answer without thinking first will immediately say "no God doesn't deceive anyone." But, a deeper consideration might yield a different answer. Let us see this by asking the question - "does God give all the facts to a person that would be of help in decision making?" Well, in the case of Job he did not. 

Jeremiah spoke to God frankly:

"O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me." (Jer. 20: 7)

I realize that this is not an easy text to understand and accept. Commentators are not agreed on what it says. Many argue that the Hebrew word should be translated "persuaded" rather than "deceived." But, I think the feeling of the prophet is one which God's people often have when they contemplate God's providential dealings with them. 

No one doubts that it is right in war for a nation to deceive an enemy. If an enemy asks a captured soldier to tell where his commander and his army are, may he not deceive them in some way? So we see where God so deals with his enemies, such as they who willfully reject him and accept the rule of the Devil and Antichrist. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." (II Thess. 2: 11)

So, in conclusion, how can we answer the question - "does God toy with his creatures?" Or the question, "Does he treat them as pets in any way?" Or, "does his providence over our lives not make us often feel as if we are being manipulated, played with, toyed with?" As if we are one pawn in this cosmic chess game? 

At least, if we are trusting in the Lord, we can be assured that all our circumstances and experiences are planned and purposed of the Lord and all with the purpose of working all for our good. (Rom. 8: 28)