Topical Bible: Children were Required: To Attend to Instruction

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In the biblical context, the instruction of children is a significant theme, emphasizing the importance of guiding the young in the ways of wisdom and righteousness. The Bible underscores the responsibility of parents and the community to ensure that children receive proper instruction, both in spiritual and practical matters.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the instruction of children. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , it is written: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the continuous and diligent nature of teaching, indicating that instruction is not limited to formal settings but is integrated into daily life.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently addresses the importance of instruction. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse suggests that early instruction has a lasting impact, shaping the character and future of the child.

Role of Parents and Community

The responsibility of teaching children is primarily placed upon parents, as seen in the aforementioned passages. However, the community also plays a role. In the context of ancient Israel, instruction was a communal effort, with elders and leaders contributing to the education of the young. This is evident in the broader context of Deuteronomy, where the community is called to remember and pass down the laws and statutes of God.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the theme of instructing children, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of teaching. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the balance between discipline and nurturing instruction, encouraging a method that fosters growth without causing resentment.

Spiritual Instruction

The primary focus of biblical instruction is spiritual, aiming to instill a deep understanding and reverence for God. Psalm 78:4 states, "We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed." This passage underscores the importance of recounting God's deeds and teachings to ensure that each generation knows and honors the Lord.

Practical Instruction

While spiritual instruction is paramount, the Bible also acknowledges the need for practical teaching. Proverbs 1:8-9 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." This suggests that parental guidance encompasses practical wisdom that benefits the child in everyday life.

In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of the instruction of children, emphasizing the roles of parents and the community in imparting both spiritual and practical wisdom. The consistent message across both Testaments is the necessity of guiding children in a manner that prepares them for a life of faith and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to yourself, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life: but teach them your sons, and your sons' sons;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 11:19
And you shall teach them your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth ...
... adult male Jews dwelling in Jud??a was required to attend ... suffered the loss of their
children can easily ... be confounded with the scribes, who were mere copyists ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvi jesus living at nazareth.htm

The Doctrine of the Church.
... to shew how the violated law required a propitiation ... truth which should inspire all
the children of God ... Few, probably, were disposed to indulge in speculations ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter v the doctrine of.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... they felt that nothing more was required, and did ... those who had not been able to
attend the Sunday ... worship were held, whether the children were properly trained ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... He did that which He could not justly be required to do. ... "Whosoever shall receive
one of such children in My ... were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

Acts XVI
... there were certain things which she was required to attend to ... woman, and, therefore,
improbable that she had infant children. ... to him, and to all who were in his ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... So the posterity of Jacob were called "the children of God ... of Abraham, we know the
seal of God's covenant, and how parents have been required to dedicate ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... of the critical scholar are specially required in this ... the general educational standard,
parents were prohibited from sending their children to other than ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Great wisdom is required in the government of children ... that as soon as their children
were converted they ... Children should attend to the faithful instruction of ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

The Passover visit
... and when Jesus had reached the required age, they ... All along the way were spots memorable
in the ... and fathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 8 the passover visit.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... them to repentance; neither had God required such self ... would not receive instruction."
Therefore were his judgments ... a good man, that his children should mind ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm