The
goad is a traditional farming implement, used to spur or guide lifestock, usually
oxen, which are pulling a
plough or a
cart; used also to round up cattle. It is a type of a long stick with a pointed end, also known as the
cattle prod. Though many people are unfamiliar with them today, goads have been common throughout the world.{see Babylonian Talmud, Bava Metziah, page 80, side 1, for a discussion of its use in Biblical and post-Biblical times} Goads in various guises are iconographic device, and may be seen in the hand of
Neith and the 'elephant goad' or '
ankusha' (Sanskrit) in the hand of
Ganesha, for example.
The word is from Middle English gode, from Old English gād.
According to the Bible, Judges 331, Shamgar son of Anath killed six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad.
Tischler and McHenry (2006 p.&_160;251) in discussing the biblical account of 'goad' hold
