Will Predators Vanish in the Messianic Era? An Exploration of the Prophecy

Among the blessings in the portion of Bechukotai is 'I will remove dangerous animals from the land.'

What does this blessing mean? Is it a promise of the Messianic era where 'the wolf will dwell with the lamb'? Is this miracle contrary to the natural order?

The sages debated this in the Sifre. Rabbi Yehuda says: 'I will remove dangerous animals from the land' - means they will be eliminated from the world. Rabbi Shimon says - it means they will cease to harm. Similarly, the Rambam and the Raavad have differing interpretations. The Rambam, in Laws of Kings, describes this blessing during redemption as a period without changing the natural order, while the Raavad argues with him: But it is said, 'I will remove dangerous animals from the land!'

However, in Ramban's interpretation, even Rabbi Yehuda's words, 'eliminate them from the world,' does not mean no predatory animals will remain in the world. Instead, it refers to the blessing for the people of Israel in the Land of Israel, meaning these animals will vanish from there. This eradication is not a visible miracle. While today people might long for the time when there were tigers, lions, and bears, their disappearance is not miraculous.

Similarly, Rabbi Shimon's words, 'cease to harm,' do not necessarily imply an open miracle as described by the prophets for the Messianic era: 'and a nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp.' Rather, it suggests that Hashem watches over to ensure they do not harm the people of Israel.

Is a predator that does not prey acting against its nature? It might depend on conditions. Large predators like lions, tigers, and others raised by humans do not harm them. A dog and cat raised together can become friends. If, in the complete redemption, we return to a Garden of Eden state, and abundance is great, they will not need to prey and kill.

However, cold-blooded creatures are different: a snake or crocodile does not develop emotions or bonds. Such creatures have no problem devouring a human who has raised them for years in one bite. Perhaps this is related to the future slaying of the Leviathan or the crocodile. The snake was cursed with the sin of eating from the tree of knowledge, and perhaps, in the future, this curse will be lifted, and the snake's nature will change. Blessed is he who waits to see this.