The command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain reflects God’s concern for fairness and care, even toward animals. It ensured that the working animal could eat from the grain it was helping to thresh.
“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” (Deuteronomy 25:4)
This law showed that laborers, including animals, deserve to benefit from their work. It taught compassion, equity, and the basic principle that those who work should share in the fruits of their labor. The command also laid a foundation for broader applications of just compensation.
Paul applied this principle to human labor in the New Testament. He used it to argue that ministers of the gospel have the right to be supported materially by those they serve:
“For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.’ Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt…” (1 Corinthians 9:9–10)
Though the original command concerned animals, it revealed God’s broader justice. It reminded Israel to treat all who labor, human or animal, with dignity and fairness.
