Paul wants the Corinthians to look past the ox to the purpose behind the law. His question does not deny that God cares for animals. Gill answers Paul's question, "yes, he does," but adds, "not for them only, nor principally, but chiefly for men," and on the next verse he applies the law particularly to ministers of the Gospel. Barnes, on Paul's next words "altogether for our sakes" (1 Corinthians 9:10), says "altogether" "cannot mean that this was the 'sole' and 'only' design of the law." The question presses toward the larger lesson: if God provides for a working ox, He surely means for working people to be provided for.

Paul answers with a second question and then a plain statement: "Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope" (1 Corinthians 9:10). The law was written with people in view too. Those who labor should work in hope of sharing in what their work produces.

At harvest, grain was spread on a threshing floor and oxen were driven over it to separate the grain from the husk. Gill describes how "The oxen were led to and fro upon them, drawing this threshing instrument after them." Barnes defines "muzzle" with Webster's words: "to bind the mouth; to fasten the mouth to prevent eating or biting" (Webster, quoted by Barnes). So the law let the ox eat while it worked. Gill also reports that Jarchi, a Jewish commentator, said the ox is mentioned "to express man" (Jarchi, quoted by Gill). The Greek behind "take care" is melei, "is there care" or "is concerned."

This question opens a window on God's law. A small rule about animals at harvest reveals a God who notices the hungry ox and who cares even more for the people who labor. Scripture says, "O LORD, thou preservest man and beast" (Psalm 36:6), and "He giveth to the beast his food" (Psalm 147:9). Jesus reasons the same way about the birds God feeds: "Are ye not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:26).

Barnes says Paul's point is "To show that the laws and requirements of God are humane, kind, and equitable." Paul is not throwing away the plain meaning of Deuteronomy 25:4. He is drawing out the heart behind it, and he uses the same law again for elders who labor in the word (1 Timothy 5:17-18).