Topical Bible: Goad: An Instrument of Torture

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In biblical times, the goad was primarily an agricultural tool used to drive and guide oxen during plowing. It was a long, pointed stick, often with a sharp metal tip, designed to prod the animals into moving in the desired direction. However, the goad also appears in Scripture as a metaphorical instrument of discipline and correction, and in some contexts, it is associated with pain and suffering, akin to torture.

The most notable biblical reference to a goad is found in the account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. In Acts 26:14 , Jesus speaks to Saul, saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." This phrase, "kick against the goads," was a common expression in the ancient world, illustrating the futility and self-inflicted pain of resisting authority or divine will. The imagery suggests that Saul's persecution of Christians was not only a rebellion against God's plan but also a source of personal torment and struggle.

The goad, in this context, symbolizes the divine prodding and conviction that Saul experienced, which ultimately led to his transformation into the Apostle Paul. The metaphor highlights the painful resistance to God's guidance and the eventual submission to His will, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional turmoil that accompanies such resistance.

In the Old Testament, the goad is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 12:11 : "The words of the wise are like goads, and the collected sayings are firmly embedded nails given by one Shepherd." Here, the goad represents the wisdom and instruction that guide individuals toward righteous living. The comparison to goads suggests that wise teachings may sometimes be uncomfortable or challenging, yet they are necessary for spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes.

While the goad is not explicitly described as an instrument of torture in the Bible, its association with pain and correction can be seen as a form of discipline that, though uncomfortable, serves a greater purpose in the believer's life. The goad's role in Scripture underscores the importance of heeding divine guidance and the consequences of resisting God's will.

In summary, the goad serves as a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both physical and spiritual prodding. It illustrates the necessity of submission to divine authority and the potential suffering that accompanies resistance. Through its metaphorical use, the goad conveys the message that God's discipline, though sometimes painful, is ultimately for the believer's benefit and spiritual growth.

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1 Samuel 13:21
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
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Library

The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet.
... After which he was a very useful instrument among that ... and the other three laid on
a goad of iron ... and open answers, they threatened him with torture, but this ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of david hackston.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... INTER. Well, keep all things so in thy mind that they may be as a goad in
thy sides, to prick thee forward in the way thou must go. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm