Ezekiel Chapter 37 · Verse 24

Authorized King James Version

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And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Original Language Analysis

וְעַבְדִּ֤י my servant H5650
וְעַבְדִּ֤י my servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 1 of 14
a servant
דָוִד֙ And David H1732
דָוִד֙ And David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 2 of 14
david, the youngest son of jesse
מֶ֣לֶךְ shall be king H4428
מֶ֣לֶךְ shall be king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 3 of 14
a king
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְרוֹעֶ֥ה shepherd H7462
וְרוֹעֶ֥ה shepherd
Strong's: H7462
Word #: 5 of 14
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
אֶחָ֖ד over them and they all shall have one H259
אֶחָ֖ד over them and they all shall have one
Strong's: H259
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יִהְיֶ֣ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְכֻלָּ֑ם H3605
לְכֻלָּ֑ם
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּבְמִשְׁפָּטַ֣י in my judgments H4941
וּבְמִשְׁפָּטַ֣י in my judgments
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יֵלֵ֔כוּ H1980
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 10 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְחֻקֹּתַ֥י my statutes H2708
וְחֻקֹּתַ֥י my statutes
Strong's: H2708
Word #: 11 of 14
a statute
יִשְׁמְר֖וּ and observe H8104
יִשְׁמְר֖וּ and observe
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 12 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְעָשׂ֥וּ and do H6213
וְעָשׂ֥וּ and do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 13 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אוֹתָֽם׃ H853
אוֹתָֽם׃
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis & Commentary

"And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them." The Messianic promise appears again—David's greater son ruling as king-shepherd. Christ perfectly fulfills both roles: king exercising sovereign authority, shepherd providing tender care. The result of Messianic rule is covenant obedience—"walk in my judgments." True kingship produces willing submission, not coerced compliance. Christ's rule transforms hearts, creating love for God's law. This is gospel transformation: Christ's lordship producing joyful obedience.

Historical Context

The Davidic dynasty ended with Zedekiah's capture (586 BC), yet God promises restoration through the Messiah. Jesus claimed this fulfillment: "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11), and "All authority has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). His kingdom transcends political expectations—a spiritual kingdom of transformed hearts. The early church recognized Jesus as the promised Davidic king, though His kingdom differed from Jewish nationalist expectations. The church experiences His shepherd-king rule now; complete fulfillment awaits His return.

Questions for Reflection