The Satanic Hunter vs The Good Shepherd. Rev. Richard Dunkerly. Ed. Dr. Chapman Chen
- Chapman Chen
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
In his article titled “Hunting: What Scripture Says” (1992), evangelical priest Richard Dunkerly from California identifies four hunters mentioned in the Bible—three in the book of Genesis and one in Revelation. He contends that the biblical image of the hunter is closely associated with Satan, while its antithesis is the good shepherd, most fully embodied in Jesus Christ. Dunkerly concludes that Christians are called to be “healers and reconcilers” rather than “destroyers,” urging churches to instil compassion for all of God’s creatures in children. In my interpretation, the article speaks not only against hunting but also challenges broader systems of “meatism” and all other forms of animal abuse. Below please find my paraphrase of Dunkerly’s article.
1. Nimrod as the AntiChrist
The Bible references four hunters. The initial hunter is Nimrod (Genesis 10:8–9). He is identified as Cush’s son and the originator of the Babylonian Empire—an empire that resists God across the biblical narrative and ultimately meets its destruction in Revelation. Micah 5:6 refers to the domain of God’s foes as “the land of Nimrod.” Esteemed evangelical theologians such as Barnhouse, Pink, and Scofield interpret Nimrod as an archetype of the antichrist.
2. Ishmael the Bastard
The next hunter is Ishmael, the biological son of Abraham through his servant Hagar. His story begins in Genesis 16, with his role or livelihood noted in Genesis 21:20. Paul further highlights Ishmael’s disfavoured status in Galatians 4:22–31.
3. Esau vs Jacob
Esau, the third hunter, appears both in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Genesis 25:27 contrasts Esau’s hunting life with that of his brother Jacob. Hebrews 12:16 (KJV) describes him as a “profane person.” Esau is viewed as an example of someone who lacks faith in God. Paul expands this portrayal in Romans 9:8–13, concluding with a reference to Malachi 1:2–3: “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
4. The Horseman in White in Rev.
The final hunter appears in Revelation 6:2—depicted as the horseman in white carrying a hunting bow. Scholars have associated this figure with the antichrist as well. Altogether, the biblical image of hunters is bleak: two symbolize enemies of God, and the other two represent godless lives.
5. The Hunter vs The Shepherd
Dunkerly explains that the biblical opposite of the hunter is the shepherd—someone who tends his flock gently and knows them intimately. Biblical shepherds include Abel, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and David. “Beginning in the 23rd Psalm, Jesus is identified as ‘the Good Shepherd.’” I, however, note that Psalm 23 does not explicitly mention Jesus by name. The psalm begins: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want...” (Psalm 23:1, KJV). In its original Hebrew context, this “Lord” is Yahuah, the God of Israel. On the other hand, in the NT, Jesus really identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd:- “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, KJV).
6. Hunting as a Symbol of Satan’s Pursuit of Souls
Regarding hunting itself, Dunkerly notes that Psalms and Proverbs often depict it as symbolic of Satan’s pursuit of souls. His methods are described as “snares” and “traps,” and those he captures are “prey.” So, when one investigates how the Bible addresses hunting, the tone is invariably grim and shadowed—reflecting themes of calculated violence, death, injury, and devastation. All these stem from the Fall of humanity. But once Christ returns, these things will come to an end.
7. Healers to Replace Hunters
Dunkerly finishes by stating that Christians, above all, should avoid being agents of destruction. Instead, we are called to be agents of healing and restoration. Even now, we are invited to embody the future peace promised in Isaiah 11:6’s vision of the Peaceable Kingdom—where “the wolf will dwell with the lamb... and a little child shall lead them.” We can begin fostering this transformation in our homes and churches by teaching children to honour and cherish all of God’s creatures.
8. Be Christ-like and Go Vegan
Dunkerly’s interpretation, though rooted in evangelical tradition, offers a powerful challenge to Christian complicity in violence against animals. By aligning the hunter with Satan and the shepherd with Christ, he invites believers to reconsider not just the ethics of hunting, but the broader theology of human “dominion”. In light of this, I believe his message goes beyond hunting to critique all practices that harm God’s sentient creation—reminding us that to follow the Good Shepherd is to go vegan and extend Christ-like compassion to all animals in our daily life. #VeganChrist #VeganGod #VeganTheology #VeganChurch
Source of Dunkerly’s article: https://www.shepherdingcreation.com/hunting-what-scripture-says/
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