510. Sowing

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Isaiah 32:2020Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass. (Isaiah 32:20). Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.
There are two different opinions in reference to what customs are alluded to in this verse. Some think reference is made to the fields which are irrigated by artificial means (see note on Psa. 1:33And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3), #426) and to the practice of covering the seeds by plowing instead of by harrowing. The seed is sown in the irrigated fields, and the ox and the ass are used to draw the plow through the soil. Though oxen and asses were used for plowing (see Isa. 30:2020And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: (Isaiah 30:20)) it was forbidden to plow with them together. See Deuteronomy 22:1010Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. (Deuteronomy 22:10).
Others suppose reference to be made to the method of planting rice. Chardin says: “They sow it upon the water; and before sowing it, and while the earth is covered with water, they cause the ground to be trodden by oxen, horses, and asses, who go mid-leg deep, and this is the way of preparing the ground for sowing” (Harmer's Observations, vol.1, p. 477).