207. Threshing by Oxen

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 11
Deuteronomy 25:44Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. (Deuteronomy 25:4). ‘Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.
Threshing was sometimes done by instruments, (see note on Isa. 28:27-2827For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. 28Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. (Isaiah 28:27‑28), #508) and sometimes by having the grain trampled underfoot by horses or oxen. This is still a common mode in the East. The cattle are driven over the grain, treading heavily as they go, and in this rude, wasteful manner the threshing is accomplished. In general, the patient beasts are allowed to eat of the grain they tread out, though sometimes they are muzzled by parsimonious masters. See also Hosea 10:1111And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods. (Hosea 10:11). Paul from this law enforces the duty of ministerial support (1 Cor. 9:99For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (1 Corinthians 9:9)).