Ezekiel 20:37
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
Original Language Analysis
וְהַעֲבַרְתִּ֥י
And I will cause you to pass
H5674
וְהַעֲבַרְתִּ֥י
And I will cause you to pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 8
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
3 of 8
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַשָּׁ֑בֶט
under the rod
H7626
הַשָּׁ֑בֶט
under the rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
4 of 8
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וְהֵבֵאתִ֥י
and I will bring
H935
וְהֵבֵאתִ֥י
and I will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Jeremiah 33:13In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the LORD.Leviticus 27:32And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
Historical Context
The post-exilic community experienced this refinement through Ezra and Nehemiah's reforms. Separation from idolatry, renewed Torah observance, and covenant renewal marked the restoration. However, ultimate fulfillment awaited Christ's establishment of the New Covenant through His blood (Luke 22:20).
Questions for Reflection
- What does passing 'under the rod' teach about God's examination and refinement of His people?
- How does the New Covenant fulfill the 'bond of the covenant' promised here?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.' Shepherding imagery: passing under the rod for counting and inspection (Leviticus 27:32, Jeremiah 33:13). God will examine and refine His people, bringing them into 'the bond of the covenant'—renewed covenant relationship. This anticipates the New Covenant where God writes law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:27).