Topical Bible: The Ox was Fed with Corn

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "The Ox was Fed with Corn" is derived from biblical passages that highlight the treatment and care of oxen, particularly in the context of agricultural practices in ancient Israel. The ox, a valuable asset in agrarian societies, was essential for plowing fields and threshing grain. The biblical injunctions regarding the treatment of oxen reflect broader principles of justice, mercy, and stewardship.

Biblical References

One of the primary references to feeding the ox with corn is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 25:4 states, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." This commandment underscores the principle of allowing the working animal to partake in the fruits of its labor. The imagery of an ox treading out grain while being allowed to eat serves as a metaphor for fairness and provision.

The Apostle Paul references this Old Testament law in the New Testament, applying its principle to the support of Christian ministers. In 1 Corinthians 9:9-10 , Paul writes, "For it is written in the Law of Moses: 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.' Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest." Here, Paul uses the law concerning oxen to illustrate the right of those who preach the gospel to receive material support from their congregations.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, oxen were indispensable for agricultural productivity. They were used for plowing fields, which was a labor-intensive task requiring strength and endurance. The prohibition against muzzling an ox ensured that the animal could eat while working, thus maintaining its strength and health. This practice reflects a broader biblical ethic that values the humane treatment of animals and the responsible stewardship of resources.

The feeding of the ox with corn also symbolizes the broader principle of rewarding labor. In a society where agriculture was the backbone of the economy, ensuring that laborers, whether human or animal, were adequately compensated was crucial for maintaining social and economic stability.

Theological Implications

The commandment not to muzzle the ox has been interpreted by theologians as an expression of God's concern for justice and fairness. It serves as a reminder that those who contribute to the well-being of the community, whether through physical labor or spiritual ministry, deserve to share in the benefits of their work. This principle is consistent with the biblical theme of justice, which calls for equitable treatment of all individuals and creatures.

Furthermore, the application of this principle by the Apostle Paul to the support of Christian ministers highlights the continuity between Old Testament law and New Testament teaching. It underscores the idea that the moral and ethical teachings of the Old Testament remain relevant and applicable in the context of the New Covenant.

Practical Applications

In contemporary Christian thought, the principle of feeding the ox with corn can be applied to various aspects of life and ministry. It encourages fair compensation for work, whether in secular employment or within the church. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for those who labor on behalf of others, ensuring that they are not overburdened or neglected.

In summary, the biblical injunction to feed the ox with corn reflects a deep-seated concern for justice, fairness, and the well-being of all God's creatures. It serves as a timeless principle that continues to inform Christian ethics and practice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:24
The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

But Lest any Should Fancy that this was Granted Only to the Twelve ...
... law of Moses it is written, Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. ...
gather; and of the milk of the flock which they fed, they drank ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 7 but lest any.htm

Psalm VIII.
... But another time will come, the corn will be stored ... nevertheless called yet carnal,
whilst he is fed with milk ... said, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm viii.htm

The City of God
... one side and the other, holding meanwhile the ox's entrails in ... the poor crouch to
the rich to be fed, or to ... who work in the fields, who make the corn grow and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the city of god.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... a vineyard?" and, "who feedeth a flock?" and introduced the ox that treadeth the
corn; he points ... away with time, and let not Christ be fed; and this ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... of the ox which treadeth out the corn;" [2714] but ... As, therefore, the ox that labours
in the threshing-floor ... fulness of the Holy Spirit, who have fed you with ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... 2773] who in time of famine had sent corn to the ... is he that soweth beside the waters
where the ox and the ... that is of the flock,' near which Jacob fed his flocks ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The First Commandment
... he trusts his bond: Verily thou shalt be fed.' Psalm 37:3 ... not only have our sacks
full of corn, but money ... worshipped the sun; the Egyptians, the ox and elephant ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

The Chaff Driven Away
... over his children; and if famine comes, they shall be fed, and in ... The ox knoweth
his ... Chaff envelopes good corn, but when the wheat is cut down and carried into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the chaff driven away.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... us its increase, veins of gold, crops of corn, and store ... the law, if one met his
neighbour's ox or ass ... Heliogabalus fed his lions with pheasants: the devil is ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... took the form of free distributions of corn, oil, or ... into the flames; this extemporized
pyre being fed with fresh ... as to give him the appearance of an ox (bufalo ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm