Deuteronomy 22:6-7 -

Kindness to animals a religious duty.

There is a most valuable note in Dr. Jameson's 'Commentary' on this passage. "The Hebrews," says Trapp, "reckoned this commandment the least of all in the Mosaic Law, yet is there such a promise attached thereto." "This law," says another annotator, "teaches a spirit of mercy; it would also tend to prevent the extirpation of any species of birds which in a country producing many snakes and insects might cause serious injury." And, on the other hand, the permission here given might also tend to prevent too rapid increase. And manifestly, here is a check put on the destructive and plundering tendencies of man, and a quiet lesson taught them that they are to regard as sacred the affectionate relation between parents and their young, which God has established in the animal world. It is not a little remarkable that we find a like promise attached to this precept as to the fifth commandment. How is this? May not the reason be thus stated? It is a duty to cultivate kindness of disposition in all respects and towards all beings. The cultivation of uniform kindliness, whether to man or beast, will have a marked effect in the elevation of personal character, and in sweetening the surroundings of life. And he who out of pure love and obedience to God shows mercy everywhere, will be himself a partaker of mercy. The following may serve as starting-points of thought.

1. The lower creatures are put at the service of man. He is permitted to have service from them and enjoyment in them.

2. This enjoyment and service which man desires in and from them are to be had only in harmony with due regard to them as the creatures of God.

3. The cultivation of kindness to all creatures is, therefore, a religious duty. And the duty of so cultivating it is not only a part of the morality of the Law, but a part of the morality of that gospel which is for every creature.

4. Where such benevolence is universally cultivated, the seal and sign of God's approval thereof will be enjoyed.

[Note the command in Deuteronomy 22:10 , "Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together." This prohibition prevented great inhumanity (see Jameson, in loc .). See also marginal reference for another possible intent thereof.]