Ezekiel 20:37

And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

And I will cause you to pass {H5674} under the rod {H7626}, and I will bring {H935} you into the bond {H4562} of the covenant {H1285}:

'I will make you pass under the crook and bring you into the obligations of the covenant.

I will make you pass under the rod and will bring you into the bond of the covenant.

And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;

Ezekiel 20:37 is a powerful declaration from God, spoken through the prophet Ezekiel, concerning the future restoration and purification of the nation of Israel. It conveys a dual message of divine scrutiny and a renewed covenant relationship, emphasizing God's sovereign control over His people's destiny.

Context

This verse is part of a longer discourse in Ezekiel chapter 20, where God recounts Israel's long history of rebellion and idolatry, beginning from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the promised land. Despite their persistent unfaithfulness, God reiterates His commitment to His covenant. He promises to gather them from the nations where they have been scattered due to their sins, but not without first enacting a process of judgment and purification. The "passing under the rod" and being brought into the "bond of the covenant" refer to this future work of sifting and restoration, specifically in the wilderness, akin to their original journey out of Egypt, but with a different purpose — to separate the rebellious from the truly repentant and faithful.

Key Themes

  • Divine Scrutiny and Discipline: The phrase "I will cause you to pass under the rod" draws upon the ancient practice of shepherds counting and inspecting their sheep as they passed under the shepherd's staff. This imagery, often used to separate the healthy from the sick or to count the tenth sheep for tithing (as seen in Leviticus 27:32), symbolizes God's careful and thorough examination of His people. It signifies a period of divine discipline and judgment designed to refine and purify, rather than utterly destroy. God's discipline is purposeful, aiming to lead to repentance and a closer walk with Him (Hebrews 12:6).
  • Covenant Renewal and Restoration: Following the sifting process, God promises to bring His people "into the bond of the covenant." This signifies a powerful and unbreakable renewal of His relationship with them. Despite their past failures and the necessary judgment, God's ultimate intention is to restore His people to a faithful and secure covenant relationship. This points forward to the New Covenant, where God would write His law on their hearts and forgive their iniquities, as also prophesied in Ezekiel 36:26-27.
  • Separation and Purification: Implicit in the "passing under the rod" is a separation. Only those who truly belong to God will be brought into the "bond of the covenant," while the rebellious will be purged. This highlights God's justice and His desire for a people who genuinely obey and serve Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "rod" is shebet (שֶׁבֶט), which can refer to a staff, scepter, or rod of correction. In the shepherd context, it's an instrument of guidance, counting, and sometimes discipline.
  • The word for "bond" comes from the Hebrew asar (אָסַר), meaning "to bind" or "to tie up." This emphasizes the strength and enduring nature of the renewed covenant God intends to establish, making it an unbreakable agreement.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 20:37 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  1. God's Faithfulness Amidst Unfaithfulness: Even when we stray, God remains faithful to His promises and purposes. His love is steadfast, and He desires our restoration.
  2. The Purpose of Discipline: Difficult seasons or divine discipline are often God's way of refining us, drawing us closer to Him, and purging what is unholy. It is not punishment for punishment's sake but a loving correction intended for our good and spiritual growth.
  3. Commitment to the Covenant: We are called to live in the "bond of the covenant" — a relationship of mutual commitment with God through Christ. This calls for repentance, obedience, and a desire to live according to His will, trusting in His grace to keep us within that bond.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 27:32

    And 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.

  • Jeremiah 33:13

    In 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.

  • Matthew 25:32

    And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:

  • Matthew 25:33

    And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

  • Psalms 89:30

    If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

  • Psalms 89:32

    Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

  • Ezekiel 16:59

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back