(maqqel, maTTeh, shebheT; rhabdos): Little distinction can be drawn between the Hebrew words used for "rod" and "staff." Maqqel is the word used inGe 30:37ff for the twigs of poplar put by Jacob before his sheep, and inJer 1:11of the "rod of an almond-tree." MaTTeh is used of a rod in the hand, as the "rods" of Moses and of Aaron (Ex 4:2 ff;7:9, etc.). ShebheT is used, but sometimes also maTTeh, of the rod used for correction (Ex 21:20;2Sa 7:14;Pr 10:13;13:24;Isa 10:5, etc.). InPs 23:4("Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me"), however, shebheT is the shepherd's rod, figurative of divine guidance and care. InEze 21:10,13, the word stands for the royal scepter. In the New Testament "rod" is used of a rod of correction (1Co 4:21), Aaron's rod (Heb 9:4), a ruler's rod "of iron" (severity, as inRe 2:27;12:5;19:15), a measuring rod (Re 11:1).
See also ARMOR, ARMS.
James Orr