Ox Goad
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Ox Goad in the Bible?
An ox goad is a long wooden pole equipped with a sharp metal point used for directing livestock. In the biblical narrative, it is cited as the improvised weapon used by Shamgar to kill six hundred Philistines.
SIGNIFICANCE
The mention of this tool highlights the use of agrarian implements as weapons of necessity during periods of regional conflict. It provides insight into the rural nature of early Israelite warfare.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Ox Goad were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ox Goad in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ox Goad clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ox Goad." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ox-goad/