Isaiah 30:24
The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָאֲלָפִ֣ים
The oxen
H504
וְהָאֲלָפִ֣ים
The oxen
Strong's:
H504
Word #:
1 of 11
a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow
וְהָעֲיָרִ֗ים
likewise and the young asses
H5895
וְהָעֲיָרִ֗ים
likewise and the young asses
Strong's:
H5895
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a young ass (as just broken to a load); hence an ass-colt
עֹֽבְדֵי֙
that ear
H5647
עֹֽבְדֵי֙
that ear
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 11
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
זֹרֶ֥ה
which hath been winnowed
H2219
זֹרֶ֥ה
which hath been winnowed
Strong's:
H2219
Word #:
9 of 11
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
Historical Context
Ancient farmers typically fed working animals basic straw or stubble. Winnowed, salted fodder was human-grade grain. Isaiah's vision of such abundance that even oxen eat premium food would astonish his agricultural audience. This hyperbolic blessing imagery appears throughout prophetic literature describing restoration (Joel 2:24-26; Amos 9:13-14)—nature itself superabundantly fruitful.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's concern for working animals' provision challenge exploitation of creation for human benefit without care for the creatures themselves?
- What does it mean that restoration blesses not just humans but the entire created order?
- How does Paul's use of the 'don't muzzle the ox' principle spiritualize this physical blessing into New Covenant realities?
Analysis & Commentary
The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender (וְהָאֲלָפִים וְהָעֲיָרִים עֹבְדֵי הָאֲדָמָה בְּלִיל חָמִיץ יֹאכֵלוּ)—Even working animals eat belil chamits (clean, salted fodder). The adjective chamits means seasoned, savory, or fermented—higher quality than ordinary straw. Animals that ovdey (work, serve) the land receive premium food. Which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan—The verbs mizreh (winnowing shovel) and rachath (winnowing fork/fan) describe grain processing that separates wheat from chaff. Applying this to animal fodder suggests exceptional prosperity—even livestock eat what might feed humans in lean times.
This detail reveals God's comprehensive care in restoration. He doesn't neglect even draft animals. The principle echoes Deuteronomy 25:4: 'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn'—workers deserve good provision. Paul applies this spiritually: ministers of the gospel should receive support (1 Corinthians 9:9-11). The eschatological dimension: when God fully restores creation, even the animal realm experiences abundance. Romans 8:19-21 describes creation's liberation from futility—this includes livestock eating 'clean provender' rather than scrounging. It's a preview of the peaceable kingdom where all creatures flourish under Messiah's rule.