My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. My servant DavidThis phrase refers to the promised Messiah, who is often typified by David, the revered king of Israel. In the Hebrew context, "David" is not merely a reference to the historical king but symbolizes the ideal ruler, a shepherd-king who leads with righteousness and justice. The term "servant" underscores the Messiah's role as one who fulfills God's will, echoing the servant songs of Isaiah. Historically, David was a man after God's own heart, and this prophecy points to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, ruling eternally over God's people. will be king over them
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of the Messiah over Israel. The Hebrew word for "king" (melek) conveys the idea of a ruler with absolute power and responsibility for the welfare of the people. In the historical context, Israel longed for a king who would unite the tribes and lead them in faithfulness to God. This prophecy assures that the Messiah will fulfill this role perfectly, bringing unity and peace. In the New Testament, Jesus is recognized as the King of Kings, whose reign is both spiritual and eternal. and they will all have one shepherd
The imagery of a shepherd is rich in biblical tradition, symbolizing care, guidance, and protection. The Hebrew word for "shepherd" (ro'eh) is often used to describe leaders who are responsible for the well-being of their flock. In the ancient Near East, a shepherd was a common metaphor for kingship. This prophecy highlights the unity and singular leadership under the Messiah, contrasting with the divided and often corrupt leadership Israel experienced. Jesus, in the New Testament, identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling this prophecy by gathering His people and leading them to spiritual nourishment and safety. They will follow My ordinances
This phrase indicates a return to covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "ordinances" (mishpatim) refers to God's laws and decrees, which are meant to guide the moral and ethical conduct of His people. Historically, Israel struggled with obedience, often turning to idolatry and injustice. This prophecy promises a transformation where the people will willingly and joyfully adhere to God's commands, reflecting a heart change brought about by the Messiah's reign. In the New Testament, this is seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, who writes God's laws on the hearts of believers. and keep My statutes
The term "statutes" (chuqqim) in Hebrew refers to the specific decrees and rituals given by God. This phrase underscores the importance of not only knowing God's laws but actively living them out. In the historical context, the statutes were part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, meant to set them apart as a holy nation. The prophecy envisions a time when God's people will fully embrace His statutes, leading to a life of holiness and devotion. This is fulfilled in the New Covenant, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's will. and obey them
Obedience is a central theme in the relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "obey" (shamar) means to guard, keep, or observe. It implies a careful and intentional adherence to God's commands. Historically, Israel's disobedience led to exile and suffering, but this prophecy promises a renewed commitment to God's ways. In the New Testament, obedience is seen as a response to God's grace, where believers, transformed by the love of Christ, seek to live in a manner that pleases Him. This obedience is not burdensome but a joyful expression of faith and love. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel's messages often contained visions and symbolic acts to convey God's plans and promises to Israel. 2. DavidAlthough King David had long passed by Ezekiel's time, he is referenced here symbolically as a type of the coming Messiah, who would be a shepherd and king over a united Israel. 3. IsraelThe nation of Israel, divided and in exile, is the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecy, with a promise of future restoration and unity under one king. 4. ShepherdSymbolically represents leadership and care, pointing to the Messiah who would guide and protect His people. 5. Ordinances and StatutesRefers to God's laws and commands, which the people are called to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him. Teaching Points Messianic FulfillmentJesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophecy of a new Davidic king, uniting and shepherding God's people. Unity Under ChristBelievers are called to unity under one Shepherd, Jesus, transcending divisions and focusing on His leadership. Obedience to God's CommandsFollowing God's ordinances and statutes is a mark of true discipleship and covenant faithfulness. Hope in RestorationJust as Israel was promised restoration, believers can have hope in God's redemptive plans for their lives. Role of LeadershipGodly leadership, modeled after the Good Shepherd, is essential in guiding and nurturing the faith community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of "My servant David" as king relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the Messiah? 2. In what ways can we experience unity under one Shepherd in our local church communities today? 3. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are following God's ordinances and statutes in our daily lives? 4. How does the imagery of a shepherd influence our understanding of Jesus' role in our lives? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restorative power. How does this passage encourage you to trust in His future plans? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7:12-16God's covenant with David, promising an everlasting kingdom through his lineage, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. John 10:11-16Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling the prophecy of one shepherd over God's people. Jeremiah 23:5-6A prophecy about a righteous Branch from David's line who will reign wisely and execute justice. Psalm 23The Lord as Shepherd, providing guidance and care, reflecting the shepherd imagery in Ezekiel. People Azariah, David, Ezekiel, Hosea, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, MeshachPlaces JerusalemTopics Careful, David, Decrees, Follow, Guided, Judgments, Keeper, Laws, Observe, Orders, Ordinances, Rules, Servant, Shepherd, Statutes, WalkDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 37:24 1220 God, as shepherd
1651 numbers, 1-2
2230 Messiah, coming of
2330 Christ, as shepherd Ezekiel 37:15-28 4514 stick Ezekiel 37:21-24 7031 unity, God's goal Ezekiel 37:21-28 5089 David, significance Ezekiel 37:24-25 2078 Christ, sonship of
2215 Christ, Son of David
2327 Christ, as servant
5366 king
5370 kingship, human Ezekiel 37:24-28 6703 peace, divine OT Library The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life
1. The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2. And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3. And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, Thou knowest. 4. Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5. Thus …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCome from the Four Winds, O Breath!
"Thou wilt say unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."--Ezekiel 37:9. ACCORDING to some commentators, this vision in the valley of dry bones may refer to three forms of resurrection. Holy Scripture is so marvellously full of meaning, that one interpretation seldom exhausts its message to us. The chapter before us is an excellent example of this fact; and supplies …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 1879-1880. Experiences among Indians --Picnic in the Bush --Distribution of Testaments --"Till He Come" --"A Home and a Hearty Welcome. "
Experiences among Indians--Picnic in the Bush--Distribution of Testaments--"Till He come"--"A Home and a hearty Welcome." Once more in Canada, Miss Macpherson records experience of an unusual kind:-- "In one of the large villages we visited, an all-day prayer-meeting was held from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M., which proved a season of rich blessing. We found openings for mission work all around, farmers and their families willing to gather and sit any length of time with Bible and hymn-book in hand. We feel …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Struggler;
CONTAINING THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER IN WHICH MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS WERE PUBLISHED, AND THE NUMBER OF EDITIONS THEY PASSED THROUGH DURING HIS LIFE. THIRTY REASONS WHY CHRISTIAN PEOPLE SHOULD PROMOTE THEIR CIRCULATION, AND THE STRUGGLER FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THESE LABOURS.--PUBLISHED IN 1691. BY CHARLES DOE, ONE OF MR. BUNYAN'S PERSONAL FRIENDS. A CATALOGUE-TABLE OF MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS. AND THEIR SUCCESSION IN PUBLISHING, MOST ACCORDING TO HIS OWN RECKONING. Note.--Those that are in Italic letter are …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Let us Now Examine the Conditions under which a Revelation May be Expected To...
2. Let us now examine the conditions under which a revelation may be expected to be given to the original recipients. It may be observed in the first place that a revelation must possess some distinctive character. Even, if it should turn out that there is no such thing in reality at all, at least the notion which we form in our minds must possess such points of difference as to distinguish it from all other notions. It appears needful to bear this in mind, obvious though it is, because there …
Samuel John Jerram—Thoughts on a Revelation The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy that Believers Experience...
The Disciple,--Master, some people say that the comfort and joy that believers experience are simply the outcome of their own thoughts and ideas. Is this true? The Master,--1. That comfort and abiding peace which believers have within themselves is due to My presence in their hearts, and to the life-giving influence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. As for those who say that this spiritual joy is the result only of the thoughts of the heart, they are like a foolish man who was blind from his birth, …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet How Shall the Soul Make Use of Christ, as the Life, which is under the Prevailing Power of Unbelief and Infidelity.
That we may help to give some clearing to a poor soul in this case, we shall, 1. See what are the several steps and degrees of this distemper. 2. Consider what the causes hereof are. 3. Shew how Christ is life to a soul in such a case; and, 4. Give some directions how a soul in that case should make use of Christ as the Life, to the end it may be delivered therefrom. And, first, There are many several steps to, and degrees of this distemper. We shall mention a few; as, 1. When they cannot come …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us.
The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition. Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this. The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them. But first let us …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Prayer.
A man may pray night and day, and yet deceive himself; but no man can be assured of his sincerity who does not pray. Prayer is faith passing into act; a union of the will and the intellect realising in an intellectual act. It is the whole man that prays. Less than this is wishing, or lip-work; a charm or a mummery. PRAY ALWAYS, says the apostle: that is, have the habit of prayer, turning your thoughts into acts by connecting them with the idea of the redeeming God, and even so reconverting your …
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
At least twenty-five different names are used in the Old and New Testaments in speaking of the Holy Spirit. There is the deepest significance in these names. By the careful study of them, we find a wonderful revelation of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. I. The Spirit. The simplest name by which the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Bible is that which stands at the head of this paragraph--"The Spirit." This name is also used as the basis of other names, so we begin our study with this. …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw all Men unto Him.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^D John XII. 20-50. ^d 20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast [The language indicates that they were Greek converts to Judaism, such as were called proselytes of the gate. It is also noted that as Gentiles came from the east at the beginning of Jesus' life, so they also came from the west at the close of his ministry]: 21 these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee [See p. 111. They were possibly …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 37:24 NIVEzekiel 37:24 NLTEzekiel 37:24 ESVEzekiel 37:24 NASBEzekiel 37:24 KJV
Ezekiel 37:24 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
