Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Job 1:14

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION What else do we take the oxen to mean in figure, but well-doers; what the asses, but certain men of simple ways? These are properly described to be feeding beside the oxen, because simple souls, even when they are incapable of comprehending deep mysteries, are near to the great, inasmuch as they account the excellencies of their brethren to be their own also by force of charity; and while envy of the knowledges of others is a thing unknown, they are never divided at pasture. …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book II ↗

Thomas Aquinas

"A messenger came to Job and said: The oxen were plowing," which would remind him of profit, and so the damage would seem more unbearable. "And the asses feeding beside them," which is also put in to increase pain when he considered that the enemy fell upon them at a time in which they could steal more things at once.

Commentary on Job ↗