Deuteronomy 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:

If a bird's {H6833} nest {H7064} chance {H7122} to be before {H6440} thee in the way {H1870} in any tree {H6086}, or on the ground {H776}, whether they be young ones {H667}, or eggs {H1000}, and the dam {H517} sitting {H7257} upon the young {H667}, or upon the eggs {H1000}, thou shalt not take {H3947} the dam {H517} with the young {H1121}:

"If, as you are walking along, you happen to see a bird's nest in a tree or on the ground with chicks or eggs, and the mother bird is sitting on the chicks or the eggs, you are not to take the mother with the chicks.

If you come across a bird’s nest with chicks or eggs, either in a tree or on the ground along the road, and the mother is sitting on the chicks or eggs, you must not take the mother along with the young.

If a bird’s nest chance to be before thee in the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

Deuteronomy 22:6 presents a seemingly simple, yet profound, law concerning the treatment of a bird's nest found by chance. It instructs the observer not to take both the mother bird and her young or eggs together. This specific command is part of the Mosaic Law, reflecting God's intricate wisdom and care for His creation.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) known as the Deuteronomic Code, which outlines various laws and statutes given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from religious duties and judicial matters to social ethics, property rights, and even personal conduct. The inclusion of such a specific regulation regarding a bird's nest highlights the comprehensive nature of God's law, extending even to the seemingly minor details of daily life and the treatment of the natural world.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Respect for Life: The primary message is to cultivate a heart of compassion, not just for fellow humans but also for God's creatures. By prohibiting the taking of both the mother and her offspring, the law instills a sense of respect for the cycle of life and the natural order established by the Creator. This reflects a divine concern that transcends mere utility, encouraging a humane approach to animal life, a principle also seen in Proverbs 12:10, which states that "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."
  • Conservation and Sustainability: This command serves as an early principle of conservation. Taking both the mother and her young or eggs would endanger the local bird population, potentially leading to its extinction in that area. By allowing the mother to escape, she can potentially lay more eggs, thus ensuring the continuation of the species. This demonstrates God's foresight and His desire for the sustainable use of natural resources.
  • Avoiding Greed and Exploitation: The law implicitly teaches moderation and discourages greedy exploitation. It permits taking the young or eggs for sustenance but forbids a complete and destructive taking that would deplete the resource entirely. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of responsible stewardship over creation, rather than reckless dominion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dam" is em (אֵם), meaning "mother," emphasizing the parental role and the vulnerability of the young. The phrase "thou shalt not take the dam with the young" (לֹא תִקַּח הָאֵם עַל־הַבָּנִים) is a direct and unambiguous prohibition, underscoring the importance of this command within the Deuteronomic legal framework.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 22:6, though specific to ancient Israel, carries timeless principles for believers today:

  • Cultivating Compassion: We are called to extend kindness and compassion not only to people but also to animals and the natural environment. This verse challenges us to consider the impact of our actions on all living things.
  • Environmental Responsibility: It serves as a foundational text for Christian environmental ethics. It reminds us of our role as stewards of God's creation, encouraging sustainable practices and discouraging wasteful or destructive behavior that harms ecosystems.
  • Moderation and Gratitude: The law encourages taking only what is needed and leaving room for the continuation of life. This fosters a spirit of moderation and gratitude for the resources God provides, rather than an attitude of entitlement or exploitation.
  • Attention to Detail: The inclusion of such a seemingly minor law highlights that God cares about every aspect of life, no detail is too small for His divine wisdom and moral instruction.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 22:28

    And [whether it be] cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.

  • Proverbs 12:10

    ¶ A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

  • Luke 12:6

    Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

  • Genesis 8:17

    Bring forth with thee every living thing that [is] with thee, of all flesh, [both] of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

  • Hosea 10:14

    Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon [her] children.

  • Genesis 32:11

    Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children.
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