Ezekiel 37 24

Ezekiel 37:24 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 37:24 nkjv

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

Ezekiel 37:24 niv

"?'My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees.

Ezekiel 37:24 esv

"My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes.

Ezekiel 37:24 nlt

"My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and be careful to keep my decrees.

Ezekiel 37 verses

Ezekiel 37 24 Meaning

This verse describes a future spiritual restoration and unification for Israel. God declares that David will be king, signifying an everlasting Davidic dynasty and rule. His servant will also be a prince, indicating a restored leadership for the nation, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This restoration involves a renewed relationship with God, marked by His presence and covenant blessings.

Ezekiel 37 24 Context

Ezekiel chapter 37 depicts a powerful vision of the valley of dry bones being resurrected, symbolizing the restoration of Israel's scattered people. This chapter follows vivid descriptions of God's judgment upon sin and his promise of cleansing and revival. The specific vision in verses 15-28 outlines the reunification of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, signifying a complete national and spiritual restoration. Verse 24 is part of this prophetic conclusion, presenting the leadership structure and divine presence that will characterize the renewed nation. Historically, the people of Israel had been divided into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah) and subsequently exiled, creating a desperate need for hope and a future.

Ezekiel 37 24 Word Analysis

• וְדָוִ֖ד (vĕdāwiḏ): And David. Hebrew word "David" (דָּוִד), meaning beloved.
  • Significance: Refers to King David, the quintessential righteous king of Israel.
  • Cross-reference: David is a pivotal figure in Israelite history and theology, serving as the archetype of a king after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
• עַבְדִּ֥י (ʿav·dî): my servant. Hebrew word "servant" (עֶבֶד), ebed, meaning servant, slave, subject. The suffix i indicates "my".
  • Significance: Implies a position of humble service and loyalty under authority. In the context of God, it often denotes those specially chosen and empowered by Him.
  • Cross-reference: God's servants are often prophets, kings, or the people of Israel as a collective. Jesus is referred to as God's Servant (Isaiah 42:1).
• שָׂ֛ר (śār): prince. Hebrew word "prince" or "chief" (שַׂר), sar.
  • Significance: Denotes leadership, rulership, or authority.
  • Cross-reference: Often used for tribal chiefs, military commanders, or royal figures.
• לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem): to them. Hebrew pronoun, meaning "to them" or "for them".
• נְגִ֣יד (ně·ḡîḏ): ruler. Hebrew word "leader" or "ruler" (נָגִיד), nagid.
  • Significance: Similar to sar, indicating someone appointed to lead or rule.
  • Cross-reference: This term is used for appointed leaders, often with a divine commissioning.
• וְכָרַתִּ֥י (vĕḵā·raṯ·tî): and I will make. Hebrew root word "cut" (כָּרַת), karat.
  • Significance: In the context of covenants, "to cut a covenant" (כָּרַת בְּרִית, karat berit) means to establish or make a covenant.
  • Cross-reference: The act of cutting an animal in half was symbolic of the covenant being broken if not kept.
• בָּהֶ֥ם (bā·hem): with them. Hebrew preposition "in" or "with" (ב), b, with pronoun "them".
• בְּרִֽית־ (bərîṯ-): covenant. Hebrew word "covenant" (בְּרִית), berit.
  • Significance: A formal agreement or treaty, often involving solemn promises and conditions, especially between God and humans.
  • Cross-reference: Key covenants include those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant in Christ.
• עוֹלָ֑ם (ʿō·lām): everlasting. Hebrew word for "everlasting", "perpetual", or "eternity" (עוֹלָם), olam.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the perpetual, enduring nature of this covenant and leadership.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "David my servant": This phrase refers directly to King David. However, given the spiritual restoration described and the perpetual nature of the covenant, many interpreters see this as a foreshadowing or symbolic reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is a descendant of David and an everlasting King. David's rule was a type, pointing to the ultimate King.
• "David... prince": The repetition of David's name and the term "prince" can be interpreted as referring to David's lasting legacy and the continuity of his royal line, but primarily pointing to the ideal Davidic ruler, which is Christ.
• "and I will make with them a covenant of peace": This signifies a renewed, everlasting relationship with God, characterized by divine favor, security, and wholeness, overcoming the past sin and estrangement. It speaks to a covenant of lasting amity.

Ezekiel 37 24 Bonus Section

The concept of an eternal covenant of peace echoes God's initial covenantal relationships. The specifics of David's eternal rule and his role as a prince align with the New Testament understanding of Jesus' messianic kingship. While "David" literally points to the historical king, the divine intention clearly transcends him, pointing to a greater David. The language of "servant" and "prince" is also applicable to Jesus' earthly ministry and eternal reign. This promise addresses Israel's profound need for stable, divinely-appointed leadership after centuries of division and exile, assuring them of God's faithfulness and future plans.

Ezekiel 37 24 Commentary

This verse highlights God's promise of an enduring covenant with a restored Israel. The leadership will be under David, symbolizing an eternal Davidic monarchy, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He is the true "King David" and "prince" who leads his people into an everlasting covenant of peace. This signifies not just political restoration but a deep spiritual reconnection with God, marked by His abiding presence. It's a foundational promise for future redemption, offering hope of final reconciliation and secure governance under divine authority. The covenant of peace points to a state of complete well-being – spiritual, physical, and national.