Contemplative Bible Reading

Leviticus 26:21-22 (New Living Translation)

²¹ “If even then you remain hostile toward me and refuse to obey me, I will inflict disaster on you seven times over for your sins. ²² I will send wild animals that will rob you of your children and destroy your livestock. Your numbers will dwindle, and your roads will be deserted.

God is warning His people about the consequences of disobedience. Note verse 22: He will use wild animals as part of His punishment. The wild animals will destroy livestock. I understand that as wild animals still plague livestock worldwide to this day.

Note, however, the first phrase of verse 22: the wild animals will rob the people of their children. God will send wild animals that will steal and kill the children of the nation. Harsh? Absolutely. I cannot imagine something more terrible. God, punish me for my transgressions, but don’t have a wolf kill my little child. Deserved? I hesitate and wince, but I have to also answer “absolutely.”

I fail to justify God’s punishment. My mind is not big enough to understand all of His ways.