It is hard to kick against the goad…(2)
What is the spiritual meaning of a goad?
The 12th letter of the Hebrew Alphabets is ‘Lamed’ (ל) which symbolises ‘Ox-goad’.Here it means ‘something that teaches’.
For example,the writer of Ecclesiastes equated his preachings to the functions of the goads:
“Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people.He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.“-Eccle 12:9-11
Who is wise apart from God?
Therefore,we can safely infer that God’s words are like goads.They can provide guidance for us and sometimes when we are about going astray,His goads can redirect us to make us align with His will.
What if we go against His will despite his prodding with the goads?
Next post examines a situation someone kicked against the goad…