In the Bible, children and infants are often depicted as symbols of innocence, purity, and the future of God's people. They hold a significant place in biblical narratives, teachings, and prophecies, reflecting both the blessings and responsibilities associated with raising the next generation in the faith.

Creation and Blessing

From the beginning, children are seen as a blessing from God. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve to "Be fruitful and multiply," indicating that procreation and the raising of children are integral to God's design for humanity. Psalm 127:3-5 further emphasizes this, stating, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

Covenant and Promise

Children are central to the covenants God makes with His people. In Genesis 17:7, God promises Abraham, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." This promise underscores the importance of children in the continuation of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Instruction and Discipline

The Bible places a strong emphasis on the instruction and discipline of children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This highlights the responsibility of parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Jesus and Children

Jesus' interactions with children reveal their value in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement not only affirms the worth of children but also uses them as a model for the humility and faith required to enter the Kingdom.

Protection and Care

The Bible also speaks to the protection and care of children. In the Old Testament, laws were established to safeguard the well-being of children, such as those found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , which commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Judgment and Consequence

The Bible does not shy away from depicting the consequences of neglecting or harming children. In the prophetic literature, the mistreatment of children is often cited as a sign of societal decay and a reason for divine judgment. For example, in Jeremiah 19:4-5, God condemns the people for sacrificing their children to false gods, highlighting the severity of such actions.

Spiritual Symbolism

Children also serve as spiritual symbols in Scripture. In Isaiah 11:6, the peaceful coexistence of a child with wild animals is used to illustrate the harmony of God's future kingdom: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them."

Throughout the Bible, children and infants are portrayed as integral to God's plan, embodying both the hope for the future and the need for faithful stewardship by their parents and community.