Deuteronomy 22:6-7
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This isn't just about being kind to animals; it's a lesson in restraint and respect for future generations. By leaving the mother bird, you're not just preventing her distress, but acknowledging the value of continuity and the potential for future life.
“If you come across a bird’s nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. You shall let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may go well with you, and that you may live long.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a collection of laws designed to guide Israel in living a holy life, following immediately after regulations about distinguishing between genders in dress. The law here shifts focus to how they should interact with the natural world, specifically a bird's nest found while traveling. The instruction to not take the mother bird with her young or eggs sets the stage for understanding God's concern for all life, even the smallest creatures.
Ever seen a mama bird fiercely protecting her nest? This ancient law tells us something profound about God's heart, even for the smallest creatures.
God’s care extends to all His creation, not just humanity. This command in Deuteronomy isn’t just about preventing cruelty; it’s a lesson in empathy.
A Gentle Dominion
God gave humanity dominion over the earth, but that doesn't mean ruling with an iron fist. It means caring for creation responsibly. Taking the mother bird with her young would have been a complete destruction of that family unit, a merciless act.
Why the Mother?
By specifically forbidding taking the mother with her young, the law teaches a tender principle: consider the impact of your actions. It’s a call to show mercy, to spare the parent from the distress of seeing her offspring taken, and to allow for the continuation of the species.
This seemingly small command about a bird's nest is directly linked to a promise of blessing. What could that possibly mean?
The command to 'let the mother go' was connected to a promise: 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long.' This isn't just about earthly longevity, but a deeper spiritual truth.
A Deeper Reward
Some ancient Jewish teachers saw this promise as pointing to the afterlife. By showing mercy and kindness in this life, even to animals, we align ourselves with God’s eternal purposes. It’s a reminder that our obedience has eternal weight.
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Living Well, Living Long
This principle encourages a perspective beyond immediate gain. It’s about living in a way that honors God's values – compassion, mercy, and respect for life – which ultimately leads to true well-being and enduring purpose, both now and in the age to come.
Jesus references the sparrow's value in God's sight, highlighting that even the smallest creatures are not forgotten by Him, which echoes the care shown in the Old Testament law.
Matthew 10:29This passage speaks to God's intimate knowledge and care for even the smallest details of creation, like the falling of a sparrow, reinforcing the principle of compassion found in Deuteronomy.
Proverbs 12:10This proverb directly states that 'the righteous care for the needs of their animals,' underscoring the ethical call to compassion towards living creatures that underlies the commandment in Deuteronomy.
Leviticus 22:28This related law prohibits sacrificing a mother animal and her young on the same day, demonstrating a broader biblical concern for not separating mothers from their offspring, extending kindness to the animal kingdom.
pooleDeuteronomy 22:6: "If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:"
No text from Poole on this verse.
ellicottDeuteronomy 22:6: "If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:"
(6) If a bird’s nest. —On this precept there is a remarkable comment in the Talmud ( Kiddushin, p. 39, b ) . “Rabbi Akiba says, You will not find a single duty prescribed in the Law with a promise of reward attached to it, which has not also the resurrection o…
This isn't just about being kind to animals; it's a lesson in restraint and respect for future generations. By leaving the mother bird, you're not just preventing her distress, but acknowledging the value of continuity and the potential for future life.
This passage is part of a collection of laws designed to guide Israel in living a holy life, following immediately after regulations about distinguishing between genders in dress. The law here shifts focus to how they should interact with the natural world, specifically a bird's nest found while traveling. The instruction to not take the mother bird with her young or eggs sets the stage for understanding God's concern for all life, even the smallest creatures.
This passage is part of a collection of laws designed to guide Israel in living a holy life, following immediately after regulations about distinguishing between genders in dress. The law here shifts focus to how they should interact with the natural world, specifically a bird's nest found while traveling. The instruction to not take the mother bird with her young or eggs sets the stage for understanding God's concern for all life, even the smallest creatures.
"“If you come across a bird’s nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. You shall let the mother go, but the young you may ta…" — This isn't just about being kind to animals; it's a lesson in restraint and respect for future generations. By leaving the mother bird, you're not just preventing her distress, but acknowledging the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
