ROD

ROD means a shoot or branch of a tree, and in this sense it is applied figuratively to Christ, Isa 11:1, and to the tribes of Israel as springing from one root. Ps 74:2; Jer 10:16. Meaning also a staff, it is used as a symbolical expression for that which supports and strengthens, Ps 23:4; Isa 3:1; Eze 29:6; for power and authority, Ps 2:9; Ps 110:2; Ps 125:3; Jer 48:17; Eze 19:14; 1 Cor 4:21; Rev 2:27; and for the afflictions with which God disciplines his people. Job 9:34; comp. Heb 12:6-7. The phrase "passing under the rod," Eze 20:37, originated from the manner in which the Jews used to select the tenth of their sheep. Lev 27:32. The lambs were separated from the dams, and enclosed in a sheepcote with only one narrow way out; the dams were at the entrance. On opening the gate the lambs hastened to join their dams, and a man placed at the entrance touched every tenth lamb with a rod dipped in ochre, and so marked it with his rod, saying, "Let this be holy in the name of the tenth."

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A straight and slender stick; a wand; hence, any slender bar, as of wood or metal (applied to various purposes). Specifically:

2. An instrument of punishment or correction; figuratively, chastisement. He that spareth his rod hateth his son. Prov. xiii. 24.

3. A kind of sceptor, or badge of office; hence, figuratively, power; authority; tyranny; oppression. "The rod, and bird of peace." Shak.

4. A support for a fishing line; a fish pole. Gay.

5. An instrument for measuring.

6. A measure of length containing sixteen and a half feet; -- called also perch, and pole. Black rod. See in the Vocabulary. -- Rods and cones (Anat.), the elongated cells or elements of the sensory layer of the retina, some of which are cylindrical, others somewhat conical.