An offshoot from the trunk of a tree, Ge 30:37; Isa 11:1; Eze 37:15-22. It also denotes a staff, used by one walking, Isa 3:1; Eze 29:6; by a diviner, Ho 4:12; by a surveyor, Ps 74:2; by a shepherd, Le 27:32; Zec 11:10-14; as an instrument of correction, Pr 23:13; 29:15; as a sceptre, Es 8:4; Isa 14:5; and as a symbol of power, Ps 2:9, support and direction, Ps 23:4.

Emblem of authority. Ex 4:2, etc., Moses'; Numbers 17, Aaron's; Ps 2:9, Christ's. He will either rule with the pastoral rod, or break with the rod (scepter) of iron (Re 2:27; 19:15; Mic 6:9; 7:14; Ps 110:2; Isa 9:4; 11:4).

The rods, sticks, staves, and clubs carried or otherwise used by the Hebrews were probably as varied in size and shape as those in use among the inhabitants of Palestine at the present day, of which a minute description, with illustrations, is given by Baldensperger in Quarterly Statement of the same, 1905, 35 ff. No hard-and-fast distinction can be made out between the matteh, the sh

ROD. This word is used sometimes for the branches of a tree: "And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree," Ge 30:37; sometimes for a staff or wand: "And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs, And Moses took the rod of God in his hand," Ex 4:17,20; or for a shepherd's crook: "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," Le 27:32; or for a rod, properly so called, which God makes use of to correct men: "If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men," 2Sa 7:14. "Let him take his rod away from me," Job 9:34. The empire of the Messiah is sometimes represented by a rod of iron, to show its power and its might, Ps 2:9; Re 2:27; 12:5; 19:15. "Rod is sometimes put to signify a tribe or a people; "Remember thy congregation which thou hast purchased of old, the rod of thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed," Ps 74:2. "Israel is the rod of his inheritance," Jer 10:16. The rod of Aaron is the staff commonly used by the high priest. This is the rod that budded and blossomed like an almond tree, Numbers 17. See AARON.