2 Nephi 5:24

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Reference Search: 2 Nephi 5:24

24 And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.

Quotes for Discussion

Seek for Beasts of Prey

Nephi’s denunciation of the Lamanites does not focus on hunting, “wild animals” (D&C 89:14) from which they would obtain both meat and clothing. Rather his attention is centered on their hunting “beasts of prey.” Apparently they killed for sport, a practice strongly condemned in the scriptures (see JST, Genesis 9:10-11).

R. Millet and J. F. McConkie, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 1:225

There is no statement in the scriptures indicating that the flesh of animals and birds and other living creatures was used as food before the days of Noah. It was after the landing of the ark that the Lord gave his commandment concerning the eating of flesh. “And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST Gen. 9:11.)…There is no inference in the scriptures that it is the privilege of men to slay birds or beasts or to catch fish wantonly….It was intended that all creatures should be happy in their several elements. Therefore to take the life of these creatures wantonly is a sin before the Lord….Man should be more the friend and never an enemy to any living creature. The Lord placed them here.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Improvement Era, Aug. 1961, p. 568

I found many young boys around my age who, with their flippers and their slings, destroyed many birds. In Primary and Sunday School we sang the song:

“Don’t kill the little birds

That sing on bush and tree,

All thro’ the summer days,

Their sweetest melody.”

(Deseret Song Book, 1909, no. 163).

…It is not only wicked to destroy [wildlife],…it is a shame, in my opinion. I think that this principle should extend not only to the bird life but to the life of all animals….It is quite a different matter when a pioneer crossing the plains would kill a buffalo to bring food to his children and his family.

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov. 1978, pp. 44-45

The Lord will not judge a single animal for its treatment of man, but He will adjudge the souls of men towards their beasts in this world, for men have a special place. Familiar early Jewish and Christian teaching was that the animals will appear at the bar of God’s judgment to accuse those humans who have wronged them….Animals do possess real rights, “for all things have an equal right to live (!)” as President Joseph F. Smith would say (Gospel Doctrine, 2 vols. 1:372).

Hugh Nibley, Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, pp. 10, 12