The Hebrew word for rod

angels4u · July 13, 2004

We know what the Bible says about saving a childs soul by using the rod, is this just an expression or do you think God wants us to use a belt or any other object to use on children who don't listen.

I believe strongly that any other tool then your own open hands are allowed for spanking only, and then only on the bum, so no organs could be damaged.

Everything else like using belts and stuff is for me abuse.

I found this information on the net and like your opinion about it,what was the rod and where was it used for in the O.T.?

The Hebrew word for rod used in both the Psalms and Proverbs passages is "shabat." A shabat is specifically the rod used by a shepherd in caring for sheep. The shabat has five common practical uses: 1) it is the symbol of the shepherd's guardianship of the sheep; 2) it can be thrown with great accuracy just beyond the wandering sheep to send the animal scurry

July 14, 2004

Angels I think you pretty much have it covered. I don't know what I could add to this. I have heard some of this before. It is pretty accurate as far as I can tell, but then again, I have not studied this subject in a whole lot of depth.

I would say that what you show here amounts to describing the disciplining and protection of a parent for their child. If they do not use the rod to keep them out of harm, and to keep them from going astray, then the child will essentially grow up to live like an animal, or even end up falling into danger.

angels4u · July 14, 2004

Shiloh, I very much agree which what you said, but the point is it seems I'm the only one in believing NOT to use the rod but to use only HANDS for spanking.

I'm shocked by reading how many on this board agree with using belts, rulers...

July 23, 2004

I just want to add something.

I am very new here.

It says on Isaiah 11:4

but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

It says the rod of his mouth. Doesn't this mean the Word? He will judge the world with the Word.

Maybe, "saving a childs soul by using the rod" means saving us with the Word.

I think I have heard this from a bible study. I hope it was helpful.

Kabowd · July 28, 2004

"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 13:24

"A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect him." Proverbs 14:3

"A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating." Proverbs 18:6

"Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being." Proverbs 20:30

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." Proverbs 22:15

"Do not withold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." Proverbs 23:13-14

I think it's a stretch to say the rod doesn't literally mean an instrument used for discipline. I don't really like the idea of using the hands to spank a child because I wouldn't want my child fearing my touch. I want them to associate my hands with love and comfort. I was raised being spanked with a literal rod and occassionally a belt. The rod would typically sit in a specific place where I could see it, and if I disobeyed I had to retrieve it. This allowed me time to think about what I had done and also consider what was about to happen..ick. But...it worked pretty well I have to admit..lol.