“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” – Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)
God, the Perfect Teacher
In Isaiah 48:17, God reminds His people that He is not only their Redeemer but also their Teacher and Guide. The Hebrew word translated “teacheth” (limmēd) carries the sense of training, disciplining, and correcting. It’s more than sharing information; it’s about shaping character.
That is why some old Bible notes explain it as “the rod being an oriental incentive.” In biblical (Eastern) culture, the rod was a recognized symbol of discipline, not merely for punishment, but as a tool of guidance and correction. Shepherds used rods to guide sheep, and parents used them to train children. Discipline was seen as a loving way to lead toward maturity.
God’s Teaching Includes Correction
God’s method of teaching His children mirrors this principle. He instructs us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), but He also corrects us when we go astray. Hebrews 12:6 puts it plainly:
“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.”
Just as earthly fathers discipline their children out of love (Proverbs 13:24), God disciplines us so we can profit, so our lives reflect His purpose. His correction is never to destroy, but to restore.
Parenting in Light of God’s Example
As parents, we are called to follow God’s model:
- Instruction with Love: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
- Correction with Consistency: “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15).
- Guidance with Patience: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
The “rod” in modern parenting may not always be physical; it can also be firm boundaries, consistent discipline, or consequences that lovingly guide a child back to the right path.
A Shepherd’s Example
The Psalmist says: “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). Notice that the rod brings comfort, not fear. A shepherd uses the rod to correct, defend, and protect the sheep. In the same way, godly parenting involves both nurturing and correcting.
Discipline, when done in love, provides security and clarity. It tells a child: “I love you enough not to leave you in your error.”
A Simple Illustration
A father once walked with his little son near a busy road. The child, excited by the sight of cars, tried to run ahead. The father quickly pulled him back by the hand and firmly said, “Stay beside me.” The boy frowned at first, but later, when he saw how fast the cars zoomed by, he understood his father’s correction was for his safety.
That’s how God’s rod works. His correction may feel restrictive in the moment, but it is always for our protection and profit. Parents must mirror this, guiding children firmly yet lovingly, for their good.
Key Takeaway for Parents
Godly parenting requires a balance: words that instruct and actions that correct.To truly teach a child, we must combine guidance with discipline, love with correction, and truth with grace.
The First Step to Godly Parenting
Before you can raise godly children, you must first be a child of God yourself. The first step to godly parenting is surrendering your life to Jesus, the Great Shepherd, and allowing Him to guide you.
If you have not yet given your life to Christ, you can do so right now. Pray this simple prayer from your heart:
🙏 Salvation Prayer
Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I know that I am a sinner, but I believe You died for me and rose again. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins and come into my heart. Be my Lord and Savior. From today, I choose to follow You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are now a child of God. Let Him lead you as you lead your children, and He will teach you the way to go.
If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are now a child of God. Let Him lead you as you lead your children, and He will teach you the way to go.
✨ Closing Thought
God’s rod is not for destruction, but for direction. Jesus Himself is the Rod of correction: “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse…” (Isaiah 11:1). He is also the Word of God made flesh: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God… In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1–5).
For parents, this means that Jesus, the living Word, is the divine standard and guide for shepherding children in God’s way. The Bible is not just a book of advice; it is the Word of God in print, required for godly parenting. As we allow Christ, the Rod and the Word, to shape us, we will be equipped to shape our children for His glory.
