Deuteronomy 22:7 - You shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take for yourself; that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.
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What does "Deuteronomy 22:7" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:7 deals with the ethical treatment of animals, specifically birds. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"You shall surely let the hen go...": This is the core instruction. If you come across a bird's nest with a mother bird (the "hen") sitting on eggs or young chicks, you are commanded to release the mother bird. You must not take both the mother and her offspring. This emphasizes compassion and the continuity of life.
"...but the young you may take for yourself...": This part permits taking the eggs or chicks, but only after the mother bird has been released. It acknowledges human needs and the use of animals for sustenance, but balances it with ethical considerations. It's a concession, not a primary directive.
"...that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.": This is the rationale or the reward promised for following this commandment. It connects ethical behavior towards animals with blessings and a long life. This is a common theme in Deuteronomy: obedience to God's commands leads to well-being.
Interpretations and Significance:
Compassion and Kindness: The primary lesson is about showing compassion to animals. Even when humans are allowed to use animals, there are limits to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Respect for Life: By letting the mother go, the verse protects the continuity of the species. It recognizes the value of the mother's role in nurturing and continuing the line.
Ethical Boundaries: It sets a boundary for human exploitation of nature. It acknowledges that humans have dominion, but that dominion should be exercised with responsibility and care.
Reward for Obedience: The promise of well-being and longevity connects ethical behavior with divine favor. It suggests that acting morally aligns with God's will and leads to blessings.
Symbolic Meaning: Some interpretations suggest that the mother bird represents the principle of mercy or divine presence, which should be protected and not taken away.
In summary, Deuteronomy 22:7 is a verse that promotes ethical treatment of animals by prohibiting taking both a mother bird and its young. It emphasizes compassion, respect for life, and the idea that ethical behavior leads to well-being and a long life.
Deuteronomy 22:7 - You shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take for yourself; that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.
What does "Deuteronomy 22:7" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 22:7 deals with the ethical treatment of animals, specifically birds. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"You shall surely let the hen go...": This is the core instruction. If you come across a bird's nest with a mother bird (the "hen") sitting on eggs or young chicks, you are commanded to release the mother bird. You must not take both the mother and her offspring. This emphasizes compassion and the continuity of life.
"...but the young you may take for yourself...": This part permits taking the eggs or chicks, but only after the mother bird has been released. It acknowledges human needs and the use of animals for sustenance, but balances it with ethical considerations. It's a concession, not a primary directive.
"...that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.": This is the rationale or the reward promised for following this commandment. It connects ethical behavior towards animals with blessings and a long life. This is a common theme in Deuteronomy: obedience to God's commands leads to well-being.
Interpretations and Significance:
Compassion and Kindness: The primary lesson is about showing compassion to animals. Even when humans are allowed to use animals, there are limits to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Respect for Life: By letting the mother go, the verse protects the continuity of the species. It recognizes the value of the mother's role in nurturing and continuing the line.
Ethical Boundaries: It sets a boundary for human exploitation of nature. It acknowledges that humans have dominion, but that dominion should be exercised with responsibility and care.
Reward for Obedience: The promise of well-being and longevity connects ethical behavior with divine favor. It suggests that acting morally aligns with God's will and leads to blessings.
Symbolic Meaning: Some interpretations suggest that the mother bird represents the principle of mercy or divine presence, which should be protected and not taken away.
In summary, Deuteronomy 22:7 is a verse that promotes ethical treatment of animals by prohibiting taking both a mother bird and its young. It emphasizes compassion, respect for life, and the idea that ethical behavior leads to well-being and a long life.