Philo On the Virtues 145
146 And since I have explained this distinct and humane command respecting the oxen which tread out the corn, I will now proceed to speak of that one which relates to the animals which plough, which is also of the same family; for the lawgiver also forbids the husbandman to yoke the ox and the ass together in the same plough for ploughing, considering in this not only the difference of nature between the two animals, because the one is clean, while the ass is one of the unclean beasts, and it is not becoming to bring together animals which are so utterly alienated, but also because they are unequal in point of strength, he takes care of that which is the weaker, in order that it may not be oppressed and worn out by the greater power of the other. And, indeed, the ass, which is the weaker animal, is driven outside of the sacred precincts; but the more vigorous beast, namely, the ox, is offered up as a victim in the most perfect sacrifices. 147 But, nevertheless, the lawgiver neither neglected the safety of the unclean animals, nor did he permit those which were clean to use their strength in disregard of justice, crying out and declaring loudly in express words, if one may say so, to those persons who have ears in their soul, not to injure any one of a different nation, unless they have some grounds for bringing accusations against them beyond the fact of their being of another nation, which is not ground of blame; for those things which are not wickedness, and which do not proceed from wickedness, are free from all reproach.
1 Timothy 5:18
16 If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened so that it may help the widows who are truly in need. 17 Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. 18 For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker deserves his pay.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest. 21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.
Notes and References
"... Although Philo and Josephus cited the law of not muzzling the ox as an example of the humane character of the Law (Philo, On the Virtues 145—6; Josephus, Antiquities 4.233), this was for teaching Gentiles. Gentiles were entitled to an explanation, but as far as an Israelite was concerned, it was sufficient that God had ordained it. This is seen clearly when a Gentile asks Yohanan b. Zakkai (late 1st cent.) concerning the reasons for the rite of the Red Heifer (Pesikta Rabbati 14; Numbers Rabbah 19.8). Yohanan gives him a long explanation, likening the rite to contemporary exorcism rites. However, when his disciples question this explanation he says to them: ‘The rite of the Red Heifer is a decree of the Lord. The Holy One, blessed be He, said: “I have set down a statute, I have issued a decree. Thou art not permitted to transgress My decree.”’ Therefore Paul can ask: Does this decree demonstrate that God cares for oxen? and be confident that the answer is No. However there is still the doubt nagging in the back of the mind of even a faithful Jew: If God did not give this decree for the sake of oxen, then why did He give it? ..."
Instone-Brewer, David 1 Corinthians 9.9–11: A Literal Interpretation of 'Do not Muzzle the Ox' (pp. 554-565) New Testament Studies, 38(4), 1992