← Back
Ezekiel Kimosop
Supporter
What can we learn from the ox and donkey's recognition of their owner?
Isaiah 1:3 NCB An ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s stall, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand. AMPC The ox [instinctively] knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib, but Israel does not know or recognize Me [as Lord], My people do not consider or understand. NLT Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care— but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.”
Isaiah 1:1 - 20
YLT - 1 The Visions of Isaiah son of Amoz, that he hath seen concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, For Jehovah hath spoken: Sons I have nourished and brought up, And they -- they transgressed against Me.
Anonymous
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Ezekiel Kimosop
Supporter
Isaiah 1:1-4 says: "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; 3 The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider.” 4 Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward." (NKJV). Isaiah 1:1-20 conveys God's call to Israel's to repent and turn to God. The nation had walked away from their covenant with God. Even the ritual sacrifices they offered were of no effect. God had turned His face from them. The poetic lamentation was meant to convey God's displeasure for the people's apostasy and a plea for their return to covenant faithfulness. The use of the imagery of an ox and a donkey is meant to convey the logical paradox behind Israel's departure from its covenant life. If an oxen and donkeys can be faithful to their owners and masters, how can one reconcile Israel's apostasy yet they have walked with God through the years since God rescued them from Egyptian slavery? This lament is meant to remind us that God is counting on our covenant faithfulness in our walk with Christ. We need to examine our commitment to a life of devotion and obedient walk with God and bridge the gaps. Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn that God rebuked the churches of Laodicea and Sardis for their weak covenant commitment (Revelation 3). The church of Laodicea was adjudged as a lukewarm church. They approached their Christian life with half heartedness. They placed their covenant life in the periphery as they pursued the things of this passing world. It is easy to retain a pale shadow of our covenant commitment when our hearts are far from God. The church of Sardis had even drifted further from the Lord. It was a dead church even though a few believers among them remained faithful (v.4). God is calling us to examine our walk with Him and return to covenant faithfulness.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible