Isaiah 32:20

KJV

Blessed [are] ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth [thither] the feet of the ox and the ass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H835} are ye that sow {H2232} beside all waters {H4325}, that send forth {H7971} thither the feet {H7272} of the ox {H7794} and the ass {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Happy are you who sow by all streams, letting oxen and donkeys roam freely.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.

American Standard Version

Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth the feet of the ox and the ass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 32:20 paints a vibrant picture of an era of profound blessing, characterized by abundant agricultural prosperity and unhindered labor. This verse, set within a larger prophecy of a righteous king and a transformed land, depicts a time when divine favor ensures fertile ground and secure conditions, allowing farmers to sow and deploy their working animals freely, symbolizing comprehensive peace, provision, and flourishing under God's righteous reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 32 sits within a section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) that often alternates between pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, and promises of future restoration and blessing. Chapter 32 specifically shifts from the preceding warnings of desolation and spiritual blindness to a prophetic vision of a righteous king's reign and the subsequent transformation of the land and its people. Verses [Isaiah 32:1-2](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1-2 - The Righteous King") introduce the just ruler, while verses [Isaiah 32:15-20](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15-20 - The Spirit Poured Out and Its Effects") describe the outpouring of the Spirit leading to righteousness, peace, and security. Verse 20 serves as a culminating image of the tangible, agricultural prosperity and freedom that will characterize this blessed era, contrasting sharply with the fear and famine often associated with periods of divine judgment or foreign invasion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was primarily an agrarian society, where life revolved around the agricultural seasons. Water was the most critical resource, and the ability to irrigate fields ("sow beside all waters") signified exceptional fertility and divine favor, especially in a region prone to drought. Oxen and asses were indispensable working animals, used for plowing, threshing, and transport. The freedom to "send forth the feet of the ox and the ass" without fear implies a secure and stable environment, free from the threats of war, raiding parties, or oppressive taxation that could otherwise hinder or destroy agricultural efforts. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience whose livelihood and survival depended entirely on the land's fruitfulness and the security of their labor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Abundance**, portraying a future where God's favor results in unparalleled prosperity and ease, a stark contrast to the scarcity often experienced due to sin or judgment. Secondly, it highlights **Peace and Security**, as the unhindered deployment of farm animals implies a land free from invasion and internal strife, aligning with the vision of a just and stable society under the righteous king described in [Isaiah 32:1](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1 - The Righteous King"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Spiritual Transformation and Renewal**, as this agricultural flourishing is often linked in Isaiah to the outpouring of the Spirit and a renewed relationship with God, as seen in [Isaiah 32:15](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15 - The Spirit Poured Out"). The verse ultimately paints a picture of comprehensive well-being—material, social, and spiritual—under God's benevolent rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _ʼesher'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "happiness," is used here as an interjection, emphasizing "how happy!" or "oh, the happiness of you!" It conveys a profound state of well-being, contentment, and divine favor, indicating a deep satisfaction that comes from God's provision and peace. This is not merely good fortune, but a divinely bestowed state of flourishing.
* **sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sow," but also figuratively "to disseminate," "plant," or "fructify." In this context, it refers to the act of planting seeds, signifying productive agricultural labor. The blessing is specifically directed towards those engaged in this essential work, implying that their efforts will be met with extraordinary fruitfulness.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** This is a dual form of a primitive noun, literally meaning "water." In an arid climate like ancient Israel, abundant water sources were synonymous with life, fertility, and prosperity. The phrase "beside all waters" suggests not just proximity to a single stream, but widespread, easily accessible irrigation, indicating an unprecedented level of agricultural ease and productivity.
* **send forth (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out." Here, it implies the free and unhindered deployment of the animals. There is no restraint, no fear of danger, and no scarcity of resources preventing the full utilization of their labor. This word underscores the security and freedom enjoyed by the people in this blessed era.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [are] ye":** This opening declaration immediately sets a tone of divine favor and profound happiness. It is a direct pronouncement of blessing upon a specific group, highlighting their privileged status and the positive outcome of their actions. The blessing is comprehensive, encompassing well-being, prosperity, and security.
* **"that sow beside all waters":** This clause vividly describes the ideal conditions for agricultural success. "Sowing beside all waters" implies an abundance of water sources, making irrigation effortless and widespread. This imagery suggests highly fertile land that yields bountiful harvests with ease, contrasting sharply with the often arduous and uncertain farming in a rain-dependent, arid region. It speaks of divine provision that transcends normal limitations.
* **"that send forth [thither] the feet of the ox and the ass":** This phrase depicts unhindered and productive labor. Oxen were used for heavy plowing and threshing, while asses were used for lighter work and transport. The ability to "send forth" these animals freely, without fear of theft, invasion, or scarcity, signifies a state of profound peace and security. It means that the necessary resources for work are readily available and can be deployed fully, leading to flourishing endeavors and a secure livelihood for all involved in agricultural pursuits.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 32:20 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of an idyllic agricultural landscape. The phrases "sow beside all waters" and "send forth... the feet of the ox and the ass" evoke clear mental images of fertile fields, abundant water, and industrious, unhindered farm animals. This imagery serves to convey a sense of peace, prosperity, and divine favor. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in "the feet of the ox and the ass," where the "feet" stand in for the entire animals and, by extension, their labor and the agricultural activities they facilitate. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the blessing, extending to all aspects of productive work. Furthermore, there is an element of **Idealism** or even **Hyperbole** in "all waters," suggesting a utopian level of irrigation and abundance that surpasses typical natural conditions, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the promised blessing under God's righteous rule. This verse also employs **Contrast**, implicitly standing against the backdrop of desolation and hardship described elsewhere in Isaiah, thereby amplifying the profound nature of the promised restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 32:20 offers a profound theological statement about God's desire for the flourishing of His people, particularly under the reign of a righteous king. It connects the concepts of divine blessing, peace, and prosperity directly to diligent and unhindered labor. The imagery of abundant water and freely deployed animals speaks to a restored creation where the curse is mitigated, and human effort is bountifully rewarded by God's grace. This vision of an ideal agricultural society is a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for a world characterized by shalom—holistic peace and well-being. It underscores that true blessing includes not only spiritual renewal but also material provision and security, enabling humanity to thrive in their God-given vocations.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Righteous Like a Tree") - "And 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."
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Peace Under Vine and Fig Tree") - "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it."
* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings of Obedience") - "The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in its season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 32:20 offers a powerful encouragement for believers today, inviting us to consider our own "sowing" in both spiritual and practical realms. Just as the ancient farmer diligently worked the soil, we are called to be diligent in our vocations, our relationships, and our pursuit of God's Kingdom. The promise of "sowing beside all waters" reminds us that God provides the fertile ground and abundant resources—His grace, His Word, His Spirit—for our efforts to bear fruit. We are encouraged to "send forth the feet of the ox and the ass," which can be understood metaphorically as deploying our God-given gifts, talents, and resources without fear, trusting that God will provide the security and freedom necessary for our labor to be productive for His glory. This verse calls us to cultivate a life of faith and obedience, expecting God's provision and peace even amidst challenging circumstances, knowing that true flourishing comes from aligning our efforts with His divine purposes and resting in the comprehensive peace found under His sovereign rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you "sowing" (investing effort, time, resources)?**
* **How does the imagery of "sowing beside all waters" encourage you about God's provision and the potential for fruitfulness in your spiritual and practical endeavors?**
* **What "oxen and asses" (gifts, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to "send forth" for His Kingdom, and what might be holding you back from deploying them fully?**
* **How does the promise of peace and security in this verse shape your perspective on daily work and future aspirations?**

### FAQ
**What does "sow beside all waters" mean literally and figuratively?**

Answer: Literally, "sow beside all waters" describes an ideal agricultural condition where fields are abundantly watered, either by natural springs, rivers, or extensive irrigation systems. In ancient Israel, a land often dependent on unpredictable rainfall, this imagery signifies exceptional fertility and ease of cultivation, ensuring bountiful harvests. Figuratively, it represents a state of profound divine blessing and provision, where efforts are met with extraordinary fruitfulness. Spiritually, it can signify sowing the seeds of faith, truth, and good works in an environment made fertile and productive by God's grace and the outpouring of His Spirit.

**Why are "ox and ass" specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Oxen and asses were the primary working animals in ancient agrarian societies, essential for farming and transport. Oxen were used for heavy tasks like plowing and threshing, while asses were used for lighter work, carrying burdens, and treading out grain. Their specific mention in [Isaiah 32:20](/isaiah/32-20 "Isaiah 32:20 - Blessing of Abundant Labor") highlights the comprehensive nature of the agricultural activity and the blessing. The ability to "send forth" both types of animals freely signifies a state of complete peace and security, where farmers can engage in all necessary labor without fear of invasion, theft, or scarcity, ensuring a secure livelihood and abundant provision for the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 32:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the righteous King foretold in [Isaiah 32:1](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1 - The Righteous King") and throughout Old Testament prophecy. He is the one through whom the Spirit is poured out ([Isaiah 32:15](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15 - The Spirit Poured Out")), transforming the spiritual wilderness into a fertile field. The "waters" beside which we sow are fully realized in Christ, who declares Himself the source of "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst and flows out to others ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Living Water") and [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). The blessing of this verse is experienced by those who are "in Christ," for He is our peace and security ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), enabling us to "sow" the seeds of the Gospel and live lives of faith without fear. The "sending forth the feet of the ox and the ass" symbolizes the freedom and resources given to believers to engage in the work of the Kingdom—spreading the good news, serving others, and living righteously—knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Lord")). In Him, we find the true abundance, security, and spiritual fruitfulness that Isaiah's prophecy foreshadowed, as He is the one who makes us truly "blessed" ([Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes")).

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

Ecclesiastes 11:1

¶ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Isaiah 30:23

Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

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.

Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.

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?

1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?