The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
3. The ox knoweth his owner This comparison marks the more strongly the criminality of the revolt; for the Lord might have compared his people to the Gentiles; but he is still more severe when he compares them to dumb beasts, and pronounces them to be more stupid than the beasts are.
The inanimate creatures, the lights of heaven, the fruitfulness of the earth, shame this stupid, senseless people into silence; they obey their Creator while Israel rebels. This is ingratitude of the highest kind: God nourished and exalted them as His children, and they turned against Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Isaiah 1:2-9
The ox knoweth his owner,.... Knows his voice, when he calls him, and follows him where he leads him, whether to plough in the field, or feed in the meadows; and the ass his masters crib, or "manger"; where he is fed, and to which he goes when he wants food, and at the usual times.