An implement used to control oxen. Acquaintance with ox goads in daily life (
1Sam 13:21) gave rise to figurative speech, where the teachings of the wise were said to stimulate thought in others (
Eccl 12:11), although these words of wisdom prodded thoughtful persons. Refusing to acknowledge the obvious or to act on one’s insight constituted kicking against the goads (
Acts 26:14). At least one judge, Shamgar, is reputed to have used an ox goad as a weapon (
Judg 3:31).
1Sam 13:21
21The charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and one-third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads.
Eccl 12:11
11The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings that are given by one shepherd.
Acts 26:14
14When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick again ... View more
Judg 3:31
Shamgar
31After him came Shamgar son of Anath, who killed six hundred of the Philistines with an oxgoad. He too delivered Israel.
