In biblical times the word child could mean a vast range of ages. Joseph is called a child when he was about sixteen years of age (Genesis 37:3); and Benjamin is called a child when he was over thirty years (Genesis 44:20). Solomon called himself a little child when he came to the kingdom (I Kings 3:7). To have a large family was regarded as a mark of divine blessing (Genesis 11:30; I Samuel 2:5; II Samuel 6:23; Psalm 127:3-5). At the age of five, children began to learn the arts and duties of life under the care of their fathers (Deuteronomy 6:20-25; 11:19). They were required to honor and obey their parents, and were subject to the father's control in all things (Genesis 22:21: Numbers 30:5). The first-born son received, besides other privileges, two portions of his father's estate; the other sons, one portion each. The sons of concubines received presents, and sometimes an equal portion with the others,(Genesis 21:8-21; 25:1-6: 49:1-27; Judges 11:1-7). The daughters received no portion, except in cases provided for in (Numbers 27:1-11). The term child or children is used to express a great variety of relations: the good are called children of God, of light, of the kingdom, etc.; the bad are named children of the devil, of wrath, of disobedience, etc. A strong man is called a son of strength: an impious man, a son of Belial. Some are called an arrow, the son of a bow, and a branch the son of a tree. The posterity of a man is his "sons" for many generations. "Teach your child to hold his tongue; He'll learn fast enough to speak." -Franklin "It is the highest wisdom to pray for our children that while they are young their hearts may be given to the Savior."-Spurgeon