Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind -Brute Beasts Know Better

Brute Beasts Know Better

Through Isaiah, Jehovah says: "A bull well knows its buyer, and the ass the manger of its owner; Israel itself has not known, my own people have not behaved understandingly.  (Isaiah 1:3) The bull and the ass are draft animals familiar to those living in the Middle East.  Indeed, the Judeans would not deny that even these lowly beasts display a sense of faithfulness, a keep awareness that they belong to a master.  In this regard, consider what one Bible researcher witnessed at the close of the day in a Middle Eastern city:  "No sooner had the drove got within the walls than it began to disperse.  Ever ox knew perfectly well his owner, and the way to his house, nor did it get bewildered for a moment in the mazes of the narrow and crooked alleys.  As for the ass, he walked straight to the door, and up to 'his mother's crib.' "

Since such scenes are no doubt common in Isaiah's day, the point of Jehovah's message is clear: If even a brute beast recognizes its master and its own manger,m what excuse can the people of Judah offer for having left Jehovah?  Truly, they have "not behaved understandingly."  It is as if they have no consciousness of the fact that their prosperity and their very existence depend upon Jehovah.  It is indeed and evidence of mercy that Jehovah still refers to the Judeans as "my own people!"

Never would we want to behave without understanding by failing to show appreciation for all that Jehovah has done for us!  Instead, we should imitate the psalmist David, who said:  I will laud you, O Jehovah, with all my heart; I will declare all your wonderful works."  (Psalm 9:1)  Continually taking in knowledge  of Jehovah will encourage us in this regard, for the Bible states that "the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is."  (Proverbs 9:10)  Meditating daily on Jehovah's blessings will help us to be thankful and not take our heavenly Father for granted.  (Colossians 3:15)  "The one offering thanksgiving  as his sacrifice is the one that glorifies me," says Jehovah," and as for the one keeping a set way, I will cause him to see salvation by God." -Psalm 50:23.

Next time: A Shocking Affront to "the Holy One of Israel"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind