Isaiah 1:3

"The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doesn’t know. My people don’t consider.”"

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 1:3, these verses highlight the contrast between animals that recognize their human masters and the spiritual blindness of Israel. The ox and donkey symbolize the instinctive obedience found in nature, while Israel's lack of recognition signifies a deeper moral and spiritual deficiency, indicating a failure to respond appropriately to divine guidance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The ox ... -The design of this comparison is to show the great stupidity and ingratitude of the Jews. Even the least sagacious and most stupid of the animals, destitute as they are of reason and conscience, evince knowledge anal submission far more than the professed people of God. The ox is a well known domestic animal, remarkable for patient willingness to toil, and for submission to his owner. Knoweth his owner -Recognizes, or is submissive to him. The ass -A well known animal, proverbial for dulness and stupidity. His master’s crib -אבוס'êbûsfromאבס'âbas, to heap up, and then to fatten.

Related Verses

Job 39:9

More from Isaiah 1

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