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Deuteronomy 25:4
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The command not to put a muzzle upon the ox when threshing, is no doubt proverbial in its nature, and even in the context before us is not intended to apply merely literally to an ox employed in threshing, but to be understood in the general sense in which the Apostle Paul uses it in Co1 9:9 and Ti1 5:18, viz., that a labourer was not to be deprived of his wages. As the mode of threshing presupposed here - namely, with oxen yoked together, and driven to and fro over the corn that had been strewn upon the floor, that they might kick out the grains with their hoofs - has been retained to the present day in the East, so has also the custom of leaving the animals employed in threshing without a muzzle (vid., Hoest, Marokos, p. 129; Wellst. Arabien, i. p. 194; Robinson, Pal. ii. pp. 206-7, iii. p. 6), although the Mosaic injunctions are not so strictly observed by the Christians as by the Mohammedans (Robinson, ii. p. 207).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn--In Judea, as in modern Syria and Egypt, the larger grains were beaten out by the feet of oxen, which, yoked together, day after day trod round the wide open spaces which form the threshing-floors. The animals were allowed freely to pick up a mouthful, when they chose to do so: a wise as well as humane regulation, introduced by the law of Moses (compare Co1 9:9; Ti1 5:17-18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. As oxen are used in ploughing, so likewise in treading or beating out the corn; of the manner of which; see Gill on Co1 9:9; now while it was thus employed, it might not be restrained by any means from eating the corn as it had an opportunity, either by a muzzle put over its mouth, or other ways. The Gentiles had several ways of restraining their cattle from eating, while they thus made use of them, to which this law is opposed. Maimonides (f) has collected several or them together, as prohibited by it; as putting a thorn into its mouth, causing a lion to lie down by it, or causing its calf to lie down without, or spreading a skin on the top of the corn, that so it may not eat. Aelianus (g) relates a very particular way of hindering oxen from eating at such times, used some countries, which was this; that oxen might not eat of the ears of corn, in a floor where they were trod out, they used to besmear their nostrils with cows' dung, which was so disagreeable to the creature, that it would not taste anything though pressed with famine. This law is not to be limited to the ox only, or to this peculiar work assigned it; but, as Jarchi says, respects any sort of cattle, and whatsoever work that has food in it, none of them being to be restrained from eating while at work: and this law was not made for the creatures only, but for men also; and especially for the sake of ministers of the word; who for their strength, labour, and industry, are compared to oxen, and ought to be comfortably supported and maintained on account of their work; for the illustration and confirmation of which this passage is twice produced; see Gill on Co1 9:9; See Gill on Co1 9:10; See Gill on Ti1 5:17; See Gill on Ti1 5:18. (f) Hilchot Shecirut, c. 13. sect. 2, 3. (g) Hist. Animal. l. 4. c. 25.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:4 You must not muzzle an ox: The animal had to be able to eat the grain as it worked (cp. 1 Cor 9:9-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18).
Deuteronomy 25:4
Fairness and Mercy
3He may receive no more than forty lashes, lest your brother be beaten any more than that and be degraded in your sight. 4Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Muzzled Christians
By David Wilkerson4.8K42:18DEU 25:4MAT 25:141CO 9:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about neglecting his children and realizing the importance of giving them attention. He then relates this to the parable of the talents in the Bible, where the master returns and calls for an accounting from his servants. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with the Lord and being productive and fruitful in our service to Him. He also highlights the tragic steps that can lead to being bound and muzzled in our ministry, such as having a wrong relationship with God. The sermon encourages listeners to have a happy and well-adjusted relationship with the Lord and to be productive and normal in their Christian walk.
Gift of a Pastor
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:17:52PastorDEU 25:41TH 5:121TI 5:171TI 5:19HEB 4:12HEB 13:7HEB 13:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God with a sincere and open heart. He highlights that our attitude towards the preacher can influence the perception of the message by those around us, including children. The sermon also touches on the balance of responsibilities between elders and the church, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and support. The preacher references Bible verses from Ephesians and Hebrews to support his points and emphasizes the importance of these principles in the growth and prosperity of a church.
Tent Making 1 Cor 9
By George Verwer1.2K1:13:49Tent MakingEXO 20:12DEU 25:4MAT 6:33ACT 20:35ROM 10:141CO 9:142TH 3:101TI 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following five principles in preaching the word of God. These principles include being enthusiastic, learning the product thoroughly, practicing effective communication techniques, demonstrating sincerity, and considering the needs of the person being spoken to. The speaker encourages the audience to believe that God will provide for their needs and make their prayer meetings more effective. They also emphasize the importance of sincerity in conveying the message and suggest using phrases and presentations that effectively communicate the message. The speaker shares personal experiences of encountering difficult individuals but believes that sincerity can still make an impact.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Reason for Our Hope 1
By Peter Maiden68655:51HopeDEU 25:4MAT 6:33LUK 10:7EPH 6:171TI 5:182TI 3:16HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and significance of the word of God. He describes it as quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of penetrating the soul and spirit of man. The preacher encourages believers to be people of faith who stand upon the word of God, even in challenging circumstances. He references the example of George Muller, a man of extraordinary faith who founded orphanages and relied on God's provision. The preacher also mentions that as Christians, we accept Christian doctrines not solely based on reason, but because they are revealed to us in the Word of God.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The command not to put a muzzle upon the ox when threshing, is no doubt proverbial in its nature, and even in the context before us is not intended to apply merely literally to an ox employed in threshing, but to be understood in the general sense in which the Apostle Paul uses it in Co1 9:9 and Ti1 5:18, viz., that a labourer was not to be deprived of his wages. As the mode of threshing presupposed here - namely, with oxen yoked together, and driven to and fro over the corn that had been strewn upon the floor, that they might kick out the grains with their hoofs - has been retained to the present day in the East, so has also the custom of leaving the animals employed in threshing without a muzzle (vid., Hoest, Marokos, p. 129; Wellst. Arabien, i. p. 194; Robinson, Pal. ii. pp. 206-7, iii. p. 6), although the Mosaic injunctions are not so strictly observed by the Christians as by the Mohammedans (Robinson, ii. p. 207).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn--In Judea, as in modern Syria and Egypt, the larger grains were beaten out by the feet of oxen, which, yoked together, day after day trod round the wide open spaces which form the threshing-floors. The animals were allowed freely to pick up a mouthful, when they chose to do so: a wise as well as humane regulation, introduced by the law of Moses (compare Co1 9:9; Ti1 5:17-18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. As oxen are used in ploughing, so likewise in treading or beating out the corn; of the manner of which; see Gill on Co1 9:9; now while it was thus employed, it might not be restrained by any means from eating the corn as it had an opportunity, either by a muzzle put over its mouth, or other ways. The Gentiles had several ways of restraining their cattle from eating, while they thus made use of them, to which this law is opposed. Maimonides (f) has collected several or them together, as prohibited by it; as putting a thorn into its mouth, causing a lion to lie down by it, or causing its calf to lie down without, or spreading a skin on the top of the corn, that so it may not eat. Aelianus (g) relates a very particular way of hindering oxen from eating at such times, used some countries, which was this; that oxen might not eat of the ears of corn, in a floor where they were trod out, they used to besmear their nostrils with cows' dung, which was so disagreeable to the creature, that it would not taste anything though pressed with famine. This law is not to be limited to the ox only, or to this peculiar work assigned it; but, as Jarchi says, respects any sort of cattle, and whatsoever work that has food in it, none of them being to be restrained from eating while at work: and this law was not made for the creatures only, but for men also; and especially for the sake of ministers of the word; who for their strength, labour, and industry, are compared to oxen, and ought to be comfortably supported and maintained on account of their work; for the illustration and confirmation of which this passage is twice produced; see Gill on Co1 9:9; See Gill on Co1 9:10; See Gill on Ti1 5:17; See Gill on Ti1 5:18. (f) Hilchot Shecirut, c. 13. sect. 2, 3. (g) Hist. Animal. l. 4. c. 25.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:4 You must not muzzle an ox: The animal had to be able to eat the grain as it worked (cp. 1 Cor 9:9-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18).