A connection between the sexual practices of animals and those of human beings has often been the supporting premise in a number of debates, from darwinism to homosexuality, but the fact remains that humans and animals, though they may share similar traits, are not the same.
The ability to procreate is described in the bible as being fruitful and multiplying, but there were also times when even the most unlikely men exhibited a desire which was not simply to procreate, but to simply have sex. In Genesis 38, Judah, after losing his wife Shuah, laid with a woman he thought was a prostitute, but who was actually his widowed daughter-in-law in disguise who was disgruntled because Judah prevented his last son from marrying her.
Judah's desire was not uncommon. He was tempted as many men are tempted. Even Pauls writings describe individuals who are not able to restrict themselves from being sexually active and who should therefore marry.
These desires are not based on a 'season', a 'cycle' or 'mating period', but rather, a simple desire to be sexually active. While this should not be the primary reason for anyone to marry, it is certainly considered. Paul's writings clearly show that the husband and wife are to continually make themselves available to each other for sex.
7:3 ... The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife and likewise, the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone, but to her husband. In the same way the husband's body does not belong to him alone, but to his wife.
7:5 ... 'Do Not' deprive each other, except with mutual consent, for a time, that you may give yourselves to prayer. Then 'come together again, lest satan tempts you because of your lack of self control.
It is clear that these scriptures are not limiting sexual activity to procreative purposes alone, but also to satisfy sexual desire. It is, and always will be, a mistake to compare the behavior of animals to the behavior of God's children. In many ways, the animal kingdom is an example of what 'not' to do. They are wild and not held to a Godly standard, or subject to any doctrine. We follow the Word of God for every aspect of our lives. Sex was meant to be enjoyed, within the bond of marriage, between a man and a woman. To restrict marital rights by beginning to include prohibitive rules, is to open a door for man made doctrines, having nothing to do with God's Word.
