The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib: but Israel does not know, my people do not consider.
All Commentaries on Isaiah 1:3 Go To Isaiah 1
Basil the Great
AD 379
If even among the barbarians harmony is maintained through subjection to a single leader, what should we think of the disharmony among us and our failure to be subject to the Lord’s commands? We should realize that our good God gives us examples to teach us and lead us to conversion. On the great and awesome day of judgment he will use them as a demonstration of the shame and condemnation of those who have not heeded his instruction. He has already said, and he continues to say, “The ox knows his owner and the donkey his master’s manger; but Israel has not known me, and my people have not understood.”
