spoil the child

Dan asks...

Q: If we are to take David and Goliath metaphorically then why can't I take the spare the rod spoil the child verses in a figurative sense?

A: There is no general agreement that Goliath of Gath was a purely metaphorical figure. It's possible that Goliath was an actual champion on the battlefield. If so, the description of Goliath's great height and size are likely somewhat exaggerated, most likely, to highlight the author's theme.

Either way, the theme of the passage remains the same.

It is quite clear that the author is describing the Goliath figure as an experienced and imposing warrior who intimidated the Israeli army.


The popular "'spare the rod spoil the child' verses" (as you put it) does not appear in the Bible.

I believe you are suggesting that this popular phrase was inspired by a verse from the Bible:

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline. Proverbs 13:24 NIV

You are quite correct to point out that many words and images in the Bible carry symbolic meaning.

When we study the word shebet in the Old Testament, we find that it sometimes represents a Sheperd's weapon (used against wolves and bears). But we also find that it is more frequently used as a symbol of authority: symbolizing man's authority, symbolizing God's authority, or symbolizing the authority of a nation.

The shebet which you refer to (in the passage in Proverbs) symbolizes the authority of parents of a child. We see the emphasis of this passage is not on causing physical harm, but rather on the exercise of parental authority for correction and discipline.

I agree with you that it is unfortunate that some read the words "rod" and "discipline" here only to mean that physical beating is the best (or only) form of training and correction.

Rather than promulgating (what you view as) a popular misunderstanding of what the Bible says, we would better serve by offering up a clearer understanding of what the Bible actually teaches.