25:4 - Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
Left without any contextual details we can only speculate on the purpose and reason for this ruling. Most commentators agree that it asserts the entitlement of the ox treading the grain to a share of the reward. Paul the apostle seemed to have understood it in this sense. Twice, in 1 Cor 9:8-12 and Tim 5:12, he quotes this verse in his defence of the right of those who serve the church to be supported materially by it.
The humane treatment of her beasts of burden that underlines this ruling also finds support elsewhere in the Old Testament. Prov 12:10 says, "a righteous man cares for the needs of his animal." In Jon 4:11 Yahweh asked Jonah if he should not care for the Ninevites "and their many cattle." While one may question the arguments and methods of the more extreme animal-rights activists, SPCA's would certainly find divine approval.
Low Chai Hok
©Alberith, 2017