Deuteronomy 22:7

KJV

[But] thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and [that] thou mayest prolong [thy] days.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou shalt in any wise {H7971} let the dam {H517} go {H7971}, and take {H3947} the young {H1121} to thee; that it may be well {H3190} with thee, and that thou mayest prolong {H748} thy days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You must let the mother go, but you may take the chicks for yourself; so that things will go well with you, and you will prolong your life.

Berean Standard Bible

You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.

American Standard Version

thou shalt surely let the dam go, but the young thou mayest take unto thyself; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:7 presents a specific law regarding the taking of a bird's nest: an individual is permitted to take the young or the eggs, but must "in any wise let the dam go." This seemingly minor command encapsulates profound principles of compassion, wise stewardship of creation, and a deep theological connection between obedience to God's statutes and the reception of divine blessings, specifically well-being and longevity in the land. It stands as a testament to God's holistic concern for all life and the ethical responsibilities of humanity within creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 22:7 is situated within a broader section of the Deuteronomic Law (chapters 22-25) that details various civil, social, and moral regulations for the Israelites as they prepared to inhabit the Promised Land. This section covers a wide array of topics, from proper treatment of lost property and ethical agricultural practices to sexual purity, fair treatment of neighbors, and even specific instructions for military camps. The immediate preceding verses (Deuteronomy 22:1-4) deal with the return of lost animals, emphasizing communal responsibility and care, while the verses following (Deuteronomy 22:8-12) address building safety (a parapet for a roof), prohibitions against mixing different kinds of seeds or animals, and the command to wear fringes on garments. This juxtaposition highlights that God's law is comprehensive, extending its ethical demands to seemingly mundane aspects of daily life, demonstrating a consistent concern for order, justice, and compassion in all spheres.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, deeply connected to the land and its resources. Birds, their eggs, and their young were a source of food and livelihood. Laws like this one were not abstract but directly impacted daily practices. The command reflects a societal understanding of the importance of maintaining natural populations, preventing the depletion of resources, and fostering a respectful relationship with the natural world. Unlike some ancient Near Eastern codes that focused primarily on human-to-human interactions or cultic purity, the Mosaic Law frequently extended its ethical scope to animals and the environment, reflecting a unique divine perspective on creation. The promise of "well-being" and "prolonging days" was particularly significant for a people about to settle a new land, linking their prosperity and continued existence directly to their faithfulness to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores God's **compassion and mercy**, not just for humanity but extending to the animal kingdom. This divine attribute is mirrored in the expectation for human behavior, teaching empathy and the prevention of needless cruelty, as seen in other laws concerning animals like the prohibition against muzzling an ox while it treads out the grain in [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox"). Secondly, it promotes **wise stewardship of creation**. By allowing the mother bird to escape, the law ensures the continuation of the species, preventing over-exploitation and emphasizing humanity's role as responsible caretakers rather than ruthless exploiters, echoing the mandate given in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Humanity's Dominion and Stewardship"). Finally, the recurring promise "that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days" is a hallmark of Deuteronomic theology, linking **obedience to divine blessing and longevity**. This formula, which appears in various contexts throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honoring Parents and Longevity")), signifies that living in harmony with God's will brings holistic prosperity, security, and a long, flourishing life in the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dam (אֵם, _'em_):** This Hebrew word literally means "mother." In this context, it specifically refers to the mother bird. Its use emphasizes the life-giving role of the parent and the vulnerability of the family unit. The command to release the "mother" highlights a principle of preserving life and the natural cycle of reproduction, rather than merely focusing on the individual animal. It evokes a sense of respect for the maternal bond and the future of the species.
* **Let... go (שַׁלַּח תְּשַׁלַּח, _šallaḥ təšallaḥ_):** This is a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction, which serves to intensify the verb. It translates literally as "sending, you shall send" or "you shall surely let go." The emphatic nature of this command underscores its non-negotiable character. It is not merely a suggestion but a firm divine imperative, indicating the seriousness with which God views this act of release and preservation.
* **Prolong thy days (וְהַאֲרַכְתָּ יָמִים, _wəhāʼărîḵtā yāmîm_):** This phrase, often paired with "that it may be well with thee," is a common Deuteronomic blessing formula. It signifies not just extended life in a chronological sense, but a life characterized by prosperity, security, and flourishing within the covenant land. It points to the holistic well-being that comes from living in alignment with God's will, where obedience to even seemingly minor commands contributes to a blessed existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go":** This is the core prohibition and command. The emphatic Hebrew construction ("in any wise let go") underscores the absolute necessity of releasing the mother bird. This act is not optional but a mandatory expression of compassion and a commitment to the preservation of life. It prevents the complete destruction of the family unit and ensures the continuation of the species.
* **"and take the young to thee":** This clause grants permission to take the young birds or eggs. It acknowledges the legitimate human need for sustenance or resources from creation, but places a clear boundary on how those resources are acquired. The permission is conditional upon the prior act of releasing the mother, balancing human need with divine ethical principles.
* **"that it may be well with thee":** This is the first part of the promised blessing. "Well with thee" (יִטַב לָךְ, _yîṭaḇ lāk_) signifies a state of prosperity, favor, and general well-being. It suggests that obedience to this specific command, and by extension to God's laws in general, leads to a flourishing life, free from divine displeasure or negative consequences. This blessing is not merely material but encompasses a holistic sense of peace and security.
* **"and that thou mayest prolong thy days":** This is the second part of the Deuteronomic blessing formula. "Prolong thy days" refers to longevity and a full life lived in the Promised Land. For the Israelites, this was a significant covenant blessing, indicating God's continued favor and their secure dwelling in the land given to them. It connects individual acts of obedience to the long-term well-being and stability of the entire community.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. It is a prime example of **Casuistic Law**, which presents a specific case ("if you find a bird's nest...") followed by a prescribed consequence or command ("then you must let the dam go"). This legal format is common in ancient Near Eastern law codes and serves to provide clear, actionable instructions for various situations. The verse also exhibits strong **Didacticism**, as it is clearly intended to teach a moral and theological lesson rather than merely listing a rule. The explicit promise of blessing ("that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days") functions as a motivational device, reinforcing the idea that obedience to God's commands, even seemingly minor ones, leads to tangible benefits. This recurring phrase is a **Formulaic Language** characteristic of Deuteronomy, emphasizing the direct correlation between covenant faithfulness and divine blessing. Furthermore, the law subtly employs **Anthropomorphism** in its underlying principle, reflecting God's own compassionate nature by extending care to even the most vulnerable creatures, thereby encouraging humans to emulate this divine attribute in their interactions with the natural world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 22:7, while specific, resonates with broader theological principles woven throughout Scripture. It underscores God's meticulous concern for all creation, demonstrating that His justice and compassion extend beyond human relationships to the animal kingdom and the natural environment. This law teaches that humanity's dominion over creation, as established in Genesis, is not a license for exploitation but a call to responsible stewardship and empathetic care. The promise of "well-being" and "prolonging days" links ethical behavior to divine blessing, a consistent theme in the Old Testament where covenant faithfulness is directly tied to prosperity and security in the land. This particular command, therefore, serves as a microcosm of the larger covenant relationship, illustrating that even small acts of obedience to God's comprehensive law contribute to a holistic life of blessing.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Do Not Boil a Kid in Its Mother's Milk")
* [Leviticus 22:28](/leviticus/22-28 "Leviticus 22:28 - Do Not Kill a Mother and Offspring on the Same Day")
* [Proverbs 12:10](/proverbs/12-10 "Proverbs 12:10 - The Righteous Care for Their Animals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 22:7, though rooted in ancient agricultural practices, offers timeless principles for contemporary life. It challenges us to consider the ethical implications of our interactions with the natural world, reminding us that our dominion over creation comes with profound responsibility. This verse calls us to cultivate a mindset of compassion and sustainability, recognizing that all life is interconnected and ultimately belongs to God. It encourages us to think beyond immediate gratification and consider the long-term impact of our actions on ecosystems and future generations. Furthermore, the promise of blessing attached to this seemingly minor command serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways are always for our ultimate good. It encourages us to trust that even in the small, daily choices, obedience to His principles leads to a flourishing life, both individually and communally. It prompts us to seek wisdom in how we consume, produce, and interact with our environment, reflecting God's own character in our stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this ancient law challenge modern attitudes towards environmental exploitation and animal welfare?**
* **In what practical ways can we demonstrate compassion and responsible stewardship for creation in our daily lives?**
* **What does the promise of "well-being" and "prolonging days" teach us about the holistic nature of God's blessings for obedience?**
* **Are there "small" commands or ethical guidelines in our lives that, if followed, could lead to significant long-term blessings?**

### FAQ

**Why does God care about a bird's nest?**

Answer: God's concern for a bird's nest in Deuteronomy 22:7 reflects several profound theological principles. Firstly, it demonstrates God's comprehensive care for all of creation, not just humanity. It shows that His compassion extends even to the animal kingdom, preventing needless cruelty and fostering a respectful interaction with nature. Secondly, it teaches humanity responsible stewardship. By commanding the release of the mother bird, the law ensures the continuation of the species, preventing its local extinction and promoting sustainable practices. This aligns with the creation mandate in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Humanity's Dominion") where humanity is given dominion, but implicitly, a responsibility to care for the earth. Finally, it serves as a pedagogical tool, training the Israelites in empathy and ethical living, reminding them that their actions, even in seemingly minor matters, have moral weight and are observed by God. This principle is echoed in [Proverbs 12:10](/proverbs/12-10 "Proverbs 12:10 - The Righteous Care for Their Animals"), which states, "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 22:7, like all of the Law, points beyond itself to Christ. While not a direct prophecy, its underlying principles of compassion, stewardship, and the promise of blessing find their ultimate fulfillment in Him. Jesus, the compassionate Son of God, consistently demonstrated care for the vulnerable, even noting that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father's will ([Matthew 10:29](/matthew/10-29 "Matthew 10:29 - God's Care for Sparrows")). He fulfills the spirit of the law by embodying perfect love and establishing a kingdom where such principles are lived out fully. The law's concern for the continuation of life and the flourishing of creation foreshadows Christ's redemptive work, which extends not only to humanity but to the entire cosmos, groaning for liberation from decay and awaiting the revealing of the sons of God ([Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). Furthermore, the promise of "well-being" and "prolonging days" in the Law finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Christ. Through faith in Him, believers receive not just temporal blessings but eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) and a spiritual flourishing that transcends earthly limitations, inheriting a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2_peter/3-13](/2-peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate expression of the compassionate God who cares for all creation and the source of the ultimate blessing of eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Proverbs 22:4

¶ By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.