Muzzle

MUZZLE muz'l (chacam; phimoo)  According to the Deuteronomic injunction (Deuteronomy 25:4), the ox was not to be muzzled while treading the grain, i.e. threshing. The muzzle was a guard placed on the mouth of the oxen to prevent them from biting or eating. The threshing ox would have ample opportunity of feeding (compare Hosea 10:11). The Deuteronomic injunction is quite in accordance with the humane spirit which inspires it all through. Paul quotes this law in two places (1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18) to illustrate his view that the "laborer is worthy of his hire."

T. Lewis

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Bibliography Information

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'MUZZLE'".  "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia".  1915.