Leviticus 22:28 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day. Ye shall not kill it and her young in one day - This precept was certainly intended to inculcate mercy and tenderness of heart; and so the Jews understood it. When it is necessary to take away the lives of innocent animals for the support of our own, we should do it in such a way as not to blunt our moral feelings; and deplore the necessity, while we feel an express gratitude to God for permission, to do it.