Isaiah 30:24

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Isaiah 30 is a prophetic message from the Lord to the people of Judah, primarily warning them against their decision to seek help and protection from Egypt rather than trusting in God alone. The chapter begins with a strong rebuke for their rebellious spirit and reliance on human alliances, which God declares will lead to shame and disappointment. However, after pronouncing judgment, the prophet Isaiah shifts to a glorious promise of future blessing, divine provision, and restoration for those who eventually turn and trust in the Lord. Verse 24 falls within this section of promised future prosperity, painting a vivid picture of the abundance and peace that will characterize the land under God's benevolent rule.

Key Themes

  • Abundance and Quality Provision: The imagery of working animals (oxen and young asses) consuming "clean provender" speaks to a time of plentiful and high-quality resources. This signifies that not only will basic needs be met, but they will be met with excellence, contrasting sharply with periods of scarcity or famine.
  • Agricultural Prosperity: The verse highlights a flourishing agricultural economy, where the animals that "ear the ground" (an archaic term for ploughing or tilling) are well-fed. This indicates a blessed and fruitful land, a hallmark of divine favor in ancient Israel.
  • Divine Blessing and Restoration: This detailed picture of well-fed livestock and refined food is part of a broader vision of God's promised restoration and abundant blessing upon His people and the very land itself. It reflects a reversal of curses and a return to Edenic harmony and fruitfulness under God's righteous reign.

Linguistic Insights

  • "ear the ground": This is an older English verb meaning to plough or till the ground. It emphasizes the agricultural labor performed by these animals, making their subsequent abundant and clean food even more significant as a reward for their work and a sign of the land's fruitfulness.
  • "clean provender": Refers to pure, high-quality fodder or food for livestock. It implies a lack of impurities and a deliberate effort in preparing the feed.
  • "winnowed with the shovel and with the fan": This describes the traditional process of separating grain from chaff after threshing. The "shovel" (or winnowing shovel) was used to toss the grain into the air, while the "fan" (a broad, flat tool or a natural breeze) would blow away the lighter chaff, leaving the heavier, clean grain. This detail underscores the purity and superior quality of the food, symbolizing meticulous divine care and provision.

Practical Application

Isaiah 30:24 offers a hopeful vision that extends beyond its historical context. It assures believers that God is not only capable of providing for their needs but desires to do so abundantly and with quality. For those facing scarcity, uncertainty, or a sense of spiritual barrenness, this verse serves as a reminder of God's promise of future restoration and holistic blessing. It encourages patience and continued trust in the Lord, knowing that His ultimate plan includes peace, prosperity, and a bountiful supply for all who seek Him. The image of well-cared-for working animals can also prompt reflection on our own stewardship and the importance of valuing and nurturing all aspects of creation under God's benevolent hand.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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?
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