◄ Deuteronomy 22:10 ►
Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.
Study Bible
Do not plow
The phrase "Do not plow" is a direct command, reflecting the nature of the Mosaic Law as a guide for the Israelites' daily living. The Hebrew root for "plow" is "חרש" (charash), which means to cut into or engrave, symbolizing the act of preparing the ground for planting. This command is not merely agricultural but serves as a metaphor for maintaining purity and order in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions to ensure harmony and productivity, both in the land and in the community.

with an ox and a donkey
The ox and the donkey represent two different kinds of animals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The ox, a clean animal according to Levitical law, is strong and steady, while the donkey, considered unclean, is smaller and less powerful. The Hebrew words for ox ("שור" - shor) and donkey ("חמור" - chamor) highlight the distinction between the two. This pairing serves as a metaphor for the importance of not mixing incompatible elements, whether in relationships, business, or spiritual practices. Historically, this command also reflects the practical wisdom of not pairing animals of unequal strength, which would lead to inefficient work and potential harm to both animals.

yoked together
The concept of being "yoked together" is rich with meaning. The Hebrew word "יָחַד" (yachad) implies a joining or binding together. In ancient agricultural practices, a yoke was a wooden beam used to pair animals for plowing. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to symbolize partnership and shared burdens. In a broader sense, this command warns against forming alliances or partnerships that are unequal or unwise, which can lead to discord and inefficiency. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder to believers to align themselves with those who share their values and faith, ensuring that their efforts are harmonious and fruitful.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the law, God's chosen people, preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter and settle.

4. Ox and Donkey
Animals commonly used for agricultural work in ancient Israel, representing different strengths and natures.

5. Agricultural Practices
The context in which this law is given, reflecting the daily life and work of the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Principle of Unequal Yoking
The command not to yoke an ox and a donkey together symbolizes the importance of harmony and compatibility in partnerships. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, including business, marriage, and ministry.

Spiritual Purity and Separation
The law reflects God's desire for His people to maintain spiritual purity and distinctiveness. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects their unique identity in Christ, avoiding alliances that could compromise their faith.

Practical Wisdom in Daily Life
The command also offers practical wisdom for daily life, encouraging thoughtful and wise decisions in our work and relationships. It reminds us to consider the implications of our partnerships and collaborations.

Symbolism of Strength and Weakness
The ox and donkey represent different strengths and weaknesses. This teaches us to recognize and respect the unique contributions and limitations of others, fostering cooperation and understanding.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of not yoking an ox and a donkey together apply to modern relationships and partnerships?

2. In what ways can believers ensure they are not unequally yoked in their personal and professional lives?

3. How does the concept of spiritual purity and separation manifest in the life of a Christian today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to maintain harmony and compatibility in our relationships?

5. How can we apply the wisdom of recognizing strengths and weaknesses in our interactions with others, both within and outside the church community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Corinthians 6:14
This New Testament passage draws a parallel to the principle of not being unequally yoked, applying it to relationships between believers and unbelievers.

Leviticus 19:19
Similar laws about mixing different kinds, emphasizing purity and separation in various aspects of life.

Amos 3:3
The principle of agreement and unity, which can be related to the idea of being equally yoked.
Sermons
A Law for the Ox and the AssJ. Marrat.Deuteronomy 22:10
The Minutiae of ConductJ. Orr Deuteronomy 22:6-12
Linsey-WoolseysR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 22:8-12
Directions in Minor MattersD. Davies Deuteronomy 22:9-12
People
Hen, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor
Topics
Ass, Donkey, Ox, Plough, Ploughing, Plow, Yoked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 22:10

     4406   agriculture
     4498   ploughing
     4633   donkey

Library
Spiritual Farming. --No. 2 Ploughing.
There have been during the last few years great improvements in the construction of the plough, but no one dreams of any substitute for it. Ploughing is as necessary as sowing; that is to say, the land must be stirred and prepared for the seed. In heavenly husbandry there are some well-meaning folk who would dispense with the plough, and preach faith without repentance, but only to find that the birds of the air get most of the seed! If there is to be an abiding work there must be conviction of …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

If any Woman, under Pretence of Asceticism, Shall Change Her Apparel And...
If any woman, under pretence of asceticism, shall change her apparel and, instead of a woman's accustomed clothing, shall put on that of a man, let her be anathema. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XIII. Whatever women wear men's clothes, anathema to them. Hefele. The synodal letter in its sixth article also speaks of this. Exchange of dress, or the adoption by one sex of the dress of the other, was forbidden in the Pentateuch (Deut. xxii. 5), and was therefore most strictly interdicted by the whole …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Excursus on the Word Theotokos .
There have been some who have tried to reduce all the great theological controversies on the Trinity and on the Incarnation to mere logomachies, and have jeered at those who could waste their time and energies over such trivialities. For example, it has been said that the real difference between Arius and Athanasius was nothing more nor less than an iota, and that even Athanasius himself, in his more placid, and therefore presumably more rational moods, was willing to hold communion with those who …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

The Story of the Adulteress.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John VII. 53-VIII. 11. [This section is wanting in nearly all older manuscripts, but Jerome (a.d. 346-420) says that in his time it was contained in "many Greek and Latin manuscripts," and these must have been as good or better than the best manuscripts we now possess. But whether we regard it as part of John's narrative or not, scholars very generally accept it as a genuine piece of history.] ^d 53 And they went every man unto his own house [confused by the question of Nicodemus, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Whether There is to be a Resurrection of the Body?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is not to be a resurrection of the body: for it is written (Job 14:12): "Man, when he is fallen asleep, shall not rise again till the heavens be broken." But the heavens shall never be broken, since the earth, to which seemingly this is still less applicable, "standeth for ever" (Eccles. 1:4). Therefore the man that is dead shall never rise again. Objection 2: Further, Our Lord proves the resurrection by quoting the words: "I am the God of Abraham, and the God …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^A Matt. I. 18-25. ^a 18 Now the birth [The birth of Jesus is to handled with reverential awe. We are not to probe into its mysteries with presumptuous curiosity. The birth of common persons is mysterious enough (Eccl. ix. 5; Ps. cxxxix. 13-16), and we do not well, therefore, if we seek to be wise above what is written as to the birth of the Son of God] of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed [The Jews were usually betrothed ten or twelve months …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Parable of the Good Samaritan.
(Probably Judæa.) ^C Luke X. 25-37. ^c 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [For the term lawyer see pp. 313, 314, The lawyer wished to make trial of the skill of Jesus in solving the intricate and difficult question as to how to obtain salvation. Jesus was probably teaching in some house or courtyard, and his habit of giving local color to his parables suggests that he was probably in or near Bethany, through …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
(Road from Bethany and Jerusalem. Monday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 18, 19, 12, 13; ^B Mark XI. 12-18; ^C Luke XIX. 45-48. ^b 12 And ^a 18 Now ^b on the morrow [on the Monday following the triumphal entry], ^a in the morning ^b when they were come out from Bethany, ^a as he returned to the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [Breakfast with the Jews came late in the forenoon, and these closing days of our Lord's ministry were full of activity that did not have time to tarry at Bethany for it. Our …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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