Isaiah 30:24

KJV

The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.

KJV (with Strong's)

The oxen {H504} likewise and the young asses {H5895} that ear {H5647} the ground {H127} shall eat {H398} clean {H2548} provender {H1098}, which hath been winnowed {H2219} with the shovel {H7371} and with the fan {H4214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The oxen and donkeys that work the land will eat a tasty mixture, winnowed free of chaff, spread by pitchfork and shovel.

Berean Standard Bible

The oxen and donkeys that work the ground will eat salted fodder, winnowed with shovel and pitchfork.

American Standard Version

the oxen likewise and the young asses that till the ground shall eat savory provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:24 paints a vivid and idyllic picture of God's future restoration for His people, where divine blessing permeates every level of creation. In this prophecy of eschatological hope, even the working animals—the oxen and donkeys that till the soil—will partake in an unprecedented abundance. They will feast on the highest quality feed, not just raw grain, but provender that has been meticulously purified and separated from the chaff. This image of agricultural prosperity and meticulous care for the lowest laborers serves as a powerful symbol of a world set right, where God's favor overflows, reversing the effects of judgment and demonstrating the peace and superabundance that characterize His righteous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the latter part of Isaiah 30, a chapter that masterfully pivots from judgment to grace. The chapter opens with a stern "Woe" oracle against Judah for its rebellious decision to form a political alliance with Egypt instead of trusting in the Lord ([Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - A Prophecy Against Seeking Egypt's Help")). This reliance on human strength is declared futile and will lead to shame. Following this rebuke and the pronouncement of judgment for their spiritual deafness, the prophetic tone shifts dramatically around verse 18. Here, Isaiah begins to describe a future day of salvation when the Lord will be gracious. Verse 24 is a key detail within this larger portrait of restoration, which includes healing for the people, miraculous light, and the ultimate defeat of God's enemies, illustrating the comprehensive nature of the promised renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy was delivered during a period of intense geopolitical turmoil in the 8th century B.C. The formidable Assyrian empire was expanding, threatening the sovereignty of smaller nations like the Kingdom of Judah. King Hezekiah faced immense pressure to either submit to Assyria or seek a military coalition with Egypt, the other regional superpower. Isaiah consistently warned against the Egyptian alliance, framing it as a spiritual failure to trust in Yahweh, Israel's true King and defender. In this agrarian society, the health of livestock and the success of the harvest were direct indicators of national well-being and, theologically, of divine favor or curse. A scene of such agricultural surplus, where even beasts of burden eat purified grain, would have been a potent and deeply resonant image of peace and security, contrasting sharply with the scarcity and devastation wrought by war and siege.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to the overarching theme of **Divine Judgment and Restoration**. The chapter demonstrates that while rebellion leads to desolation, repentance and trust lead to a renewal that surpasses all previous blessing. It also highlights the theme of **Superabundant Provision**. The blessing described is not merely sufficient; it is extravagant. The meticulous preparation of animal feed signifies a level of care and plenty that goes far beyond simple sustenance, reflecting the generous nature of God. This connects to the broader biblical theme that God's ultimate plan is not just to rescue but to bring His creation to a state of flourishing peace, or *shalom*, a concept that encompasses wholeness, prosperity, and right relationships throughout the cosmos, as envisioned in passages like [the wolf dwelling with the lamb](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6 - The Peaceable Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **clean (Hebrew, _châmîyts_):** This word goes beyond simple cleanliness. Derived from a root meaning "seasoned," it specifically denotes a salted or savory provender. This was not ordinary animal feed but a specially prepared, high-quality mash, likely fermented and mixed with salt, making it more palatable and nutritious. It implies a deliberate, careful preparation, elevating the feed from mere sustenance to a delicacy for the animals.
* **provender (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyl_):** This term refers to a mixture of grains and fodder used for cattle feed. When combined with _châmîyts_, it specifies a rich, mixed feed that has been specially treated. The use of this word emphasizes that the animals are not just eating straw or chaff but a substantial, nourishing meal.
* **winnowed (Hebrew, _zârâh_):** This verb describes the agricultural process of tossing threshed grain into the air to separate the heavy, valuable kernels from the light, worthless chaff. The specific mention of this action underscores the purity and quality of the grain being given to the animals. In a normal economy, only humans would eat grain that had been so carefully processed; giving it to livestock was a sign of unimaginable abundance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground":** This clause identifies the recipients of the blessing: the very animals responsible for the hard labor of agriculture. The verb "ear" is an archaic term for plowing or tilling the soil (from the Hebrew _ʻâbad_, meaning to work or serve). By specifying the working animals, Isaiah emphasizes that in this era of blessing, even the most humble servants and laborers in creation will experience profound rest and reward.
* **"shall eat clean provender,":** This is the core of the promise. As analyzed above, this is not just any food but a high-grade, savory, and specially prepared feed. The future tense "shall eat" presents this not as a possibility but as a certainty in God's restored kingdom. It signifies a complete reversal of the curse, where the ground yields its fruit so bountifully that the distinction between human and animal-grade food blurs.
* **"which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.":** This final clause details the meticulous process used to prepare this feed. The "shovel" (_rachath_) and "fan" (_mizreh_) were the tools used to separate grain from chaff. This process required effort and was typically reserved for grain intended for human consumption. That this step is taken for animal feed paints a picture of extreme surplus and highlights the value placed on every part of God's renewed creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Symbolism**, where the tangible details of agricultural life represent deeper spiritual truths. The well-fed livestock symbolize the comprehensive nature of God's *shalom*, which extends to the entire created order. The act of feeding purified grain to working animals is a powerful **Metonymy** for the prosperity and righteousness of the entire nation under God's rule. Isaiah employs vivid sensory **Imagery**, allowing the audience to almost see and taste the abundance of the "clean provender" and hear the work of the "shovel and the fan." This creates a powerful and hopeful vision that contrasts with the fear and scarcity of their present reality. The entire description functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration to convey the sheer magnitude and quality of the blessings God has in store, blessings that defy normal economic and agricultural expectations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prophecy of agricultural abundance connects deeply with the biblical theology of creation and covenant. God's original blessing in Eden was one of fruitfulness and provision, and the land's productivity was intrinsically linked to Israel's covenant faithfulness. Scarcity and famine were signs of the covenant curse for disobedience, while abundance was a sign of divine favor. Isaiah 30:24 thus portrays a return to an Edenic state, a restoration of the covenant blessings in their fullest measure. It shows a God who is not distant but intimately concerned with the well-being of His entire creation, down to the animals that labor in the fields. This vision of a renewed creation, where peace and plenty reign, is a recurring theme in the prophets, pointing toward a final, eschatological age of restoration.

* [Psalm 104:14](/psalm/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God's Provision for Cattle and Mankind")
* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - The Blessings of Obedience")
* [Joel 2:24](/joel/2-24 "Joel 2:24 - The Restoration of Plenty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:24 invites us to lift our eyes beyond our present circumstances to the glorious and generous future God has promised. The image of God's meticulous care for working animals is profoundly moving. If God, in His kingdom, will provide such high-quality, carefully prepared nourishment for oxen and donkeys, how much more will He care for His own children? This verse challenges our anxieties about provision and scarcity, reminding us that our Father's resources are limitless and His generosity is extravagant. It encourages a faith that trusts not just for bare survival, but for a rich, flourishing life under His care. Furthermore, it calls us to reflect on our own stewardship. If God values the humble laborers of His creation this highly, it should inspire us to treat both people and the natural world with dignity, care, and generosity, reflecting the character of our Provider God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on "Egypt" (human strength, worldly solutions) instead of trusting in God's provision and timing?**
* **How does the picture of "clean provender" challenge my understanding of God's generosity? Do I see Him as a God of sufficiency or a God of superabundance?**
* **If God shows such detailed care for working animals, how should that shape the way I view and treat those who serve in humble or overlooked roles in my community and the world?**
* **How can this vision of future hope and restoration bring peace and encouragement to my present struggles or feelings of spiritual barrenness?**

### FAQ
**What does "ear the ground" mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: "Ear the ground" is an archaic English phrase where the verb "ear" means to plow or till. It comes from the same root as the Old English word for plow, and is related to the Latin *arare* (to plow). In the context of Isaiah 30:24, it refers to the work done by the oxen and young donkeys in preparing the fields for planting. The significance lies in identifying these animals not as wild or idle, but as integral laborers in the agricultural economy. The promise that these specific working animals will receive such high-quality food is profound. It signifies that in God's restored kingdom, the blessing is so complete that it flows down to reward even the most humble and hardworking servants of the land, reversing the curse where labor leads only to toil and sweat as described in [the fall of man](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish promise of Isaiah 30:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") given for the nourishment of the world. The "clean provender," meticulously winnowed and purified, is a beautiful type of the pure, unblemished spiritual food that Christ provides. He does not offer us the "chaff" of worldly wisdom or fleeting satisfaction, but the pure grain of His own life and teaching. The extravagant abundance, where even working animals feast, points to the radical grace of the Gospel, which extends to all who labor and are heavy-laden. Jesus invites all who are weary from toiling under the law and sin to [come to Him and find rest](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary"). The peace and provision of this Messianic age are not just for a future earthly kingdom but are available now spiritually in Christ, who has brought the kingdom of God near. The restoration of the land in Isaiah points forward to the complete renewal of all things, the new heavens and new earth, where the curse is no more and the [Lamb on the throne will be our shepherd](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb as Shepherd"), leading us to springs of living water and providing for us with a generosity that exceeds all we can ask or imagine.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 45:6

For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest.

Deuteronomy 25:4

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out [the corn].

Exodus 34:21

Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

1 Samuel 8:12

And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Luke 3:17

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

1 Corinthians 9:9

For 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?