As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What is it about? Is it a command, a message, an apology, instruction? All these things enter into the meaning of “say.” In general, though, “saying” has to do with sharing truth at various levels -- from the most exalted power people can have to perceive the Lord's desires directly to the most basic of orders issued to people at their lowest.

Animals in general represent our spiritual activity. This can mean forming thoughts, ideas, or intellectual concepts; it can also mean having feelings and desires. The variety of the animal kingdom represents the vast variety of our potential spiritual activities, the things we think and feel, and each kind of animal represents something in particular. All life comes from the Lord, and the more we are turned to the Lord and receptive of Him, the more we are truly alive.