In the biblical context, the term "nursing child" refers to an infant or young child who is still being breastfed by their mother. This stage of life is often highlighted in Scripture to convey themes of care, dependence, and the nurturing nature of God and His people.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 49:15 : "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" This verse uses the imagery of a nursing child to illustrate God's unwavering commitment and compassion towards His people. The bond between a mother and her nursing child is depicted as one of the strongest human connections, emphasizing God's even greater faithfulness.

2. Psalm 22:9 : "Yet You brought me out of the womb; You made me secure at my mother’s breast." Here, the psalmist acknowledges God's providence and care from the earliest stages of life. The nursing child is a symbol of vulnerability and reliance on the mother, paralleling the believer's dependence on God.

3. 1 Samuel 1:23-24 : "Do what seems best to you," her husband Elkanah told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word." So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Once she had weaned him, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh." This passage recounts the account of Hannah and her dedication of Samuel to the Lord. The weaning of Samuel marks a significant transition from nursing to a new stage of life, symbolizing readiness for service to God.

4. Exodus 2:7-9 : "Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, 'Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?' 'Go ahead,' Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, 'Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.' So the woman took the boy and nursed him." This account of Moses' early life highlights the providential care of God, as Moses' own mother is chosen to nurse him, ensuring his survival and future role as a leader of Israel.

Theological Significance:

The image of a nursing child in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. It illustrates the nurturing aspect of God's character, His intimate care for His people, and the deep bond between God and believers. Just as a nursing child relies entirely on the mother for sustenance and protection, so are believers called to depend wholly on God for their spiritual nourishment and security.

Furthermore, the nurturing role of mothers is esteemed in Scripture, reflecting the importance of family and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. The act of nursing is not only a physical provision but also a means of emotional and spiritual connection, underscoring the holistic care that God provides to His children.