Isaiah 1:3

Berean Standard Bible
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”
 
King James Bible
The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
 
NET Bible
An ox recognizes its owner, a donkey recognizes where its owner puts its food; but Israel does not recognize me, my people do not understand."
 
Hebrew Text:

ידע שור קנהו וחמור אבוס בעליו ישראל לא ידע עמי לא התבונן

 
Transliteration:
Yada' shor kon'hu v'chamor evus ba'alav, Yisrael lo yada', ami lo hitbonan.
 
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Bible Study:
 
The ox knows its owner
The word "ox" in Hebrew is "שׁוֹר" (shor), a domesticated animal known for its strength and utility in agricultural societies. In ancient Israel, the ox was a symbol of servitude and reliability. The phrase "knows its owner" implies an innate recognition and acknowledgment of the one who provides and cares for it. This highlights the natural order and instinctual loyalty found in creation, which serves as a stark contrast to Israel's spiritual condition. The ox's knowledge of its owner is a metaphor for the expected relationship between God and His people, where recognition and submission to divine authority should be instinctual.
 
and the donkey its master’s manger
The "donkey," or "חֲמוֹר" (chamor) in Hebrew, is another domesticated animal, often associated with humility and service. The "master’s manger" refers to the feeding trough, a place of sustenance and provision. The donkey's awareness of its master's manger signifies a basic understanding of where its needs are met. This imagery underscores the simplicity and faithfulness of animals in recognizing their source of provision, contrasting with Israel's failure to recognize God as their provider. The donkey's relationship with its master is a call to Israel to return to a simple, trusting relationship with God.
 
but Israel does not know
The term "Israel" refers to the nation chosen by God, descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel. The phrase "does not know" uses the Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual awareness. This lack of knowledge is not due to ignorance but a willful rejection of God. Despite being God's chosen people, Israel's failure to "know" Him reflects a spiritual blindness and rebellion. This serves as a call to self-examination for believers, urging them to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
 
My people do not understand
"My people" is a term of endearment and covenant, indicating God's special relationship with Israel. The phrase "do not understand" uses the Hebrew "בִּין" (bin), meaning to discern or perceive. This lack of understanding is a moral and spiritual deficiency, not an intellectual one. It suggests a failure to grasp the significance of their covenant relationship with God and the moral implications of their actions. This indictment is a call to repentance and renewal, urging God's people to seek wisdom and understanding through His Word and Spirit. The verse challenges believers to cultivate a heart that seeks to understand God's will and purpose.
 
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Commentary:
 
Comparison with Animals:
 
The verse uses the imagery of an ox and a donkey, animals known for their simplicity and lack of complex reasoning. These animals, despite their limited cognitive abilities, instinctively recognize and acknowledge their owners or the place where they are fed (the "master's crib" or manger).
 
Contrast with Israel:
 
In stark contrast, the verse criticizes the people of Israel for not recognizing or understanding their relationship with God. This comparison implies that even these simple creatures show more loyalty and recognition to their caretakers than Israel does to God, who has done far more for them.
 
Spiritual Blindness:
 
The phrase "Israel does not know, my people do not understand" highlights a spiritual or moral ignorance. This isn't about intellectual knowledge but about a failure to acknowledge or appreciate God's providence, care, and laws. It points to a disconnection from their spiritual heritage and obligations.
 
Contextual Message:
 
This verse is part of a broader lament over Judah and Jerusalem's rebellion against God. It sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which includes admonitions, warnings, and calls for repentance. The prophet is essentially saying that the people have turned away from God despite all the evidence of His care and guidance.
 
Moral and Theological Implications:
 
Theologically, this verse underscores themes of ingratitude, the need for spiritual awareness, and the consequences of forsaking divine guidance. Morally, it calls for introspection, urging the people to recognize their errors and return to a righteous path.
 
This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant critique of spiritual neglect and a call to return to God, using vivid imagery to make the moral and spiritual lesson clear and compelling.