Etymologists trace the English word ‘bat’ back to the “Indo-European” root ‘vidhu’ or ‘widhu’ which means tree. This word in reality traces back to the Hebrew word בד ‘bad’ which means a tree limb or piece of wood. בד ‘bad’ literally means to be separate or alone and is pictographically depicted as the father of the tent sitting alone at the door of the tent. ב ‘bet’ means door and ד ‘dalet’ means door. The father would sit in the shadows of the tent, protecting the home and watching for any approaching danger. בד ‘bad’ also has the meaning of a piece of wood or branch of a tree that has been ‘separated’ from the tree.
Protection is one of the primary roles of the father, as well as one of the primary roles of a shepherd. The rod of the shepherd depicts this role. The English word ‘club’ traces back to the Latin word ‘mateola’ which means rod or club. Mateola comes from the Hebrew word מטה ‘matteh’ which is speaking of a rod, in particular the rod of a shepherd.
Scripture speaks of Messiah Jesus in this imagery. He speaks of Himself as the door (John 10:7) who gives His life to protect His flock (John 10:11). Interestingly, the Hebrew word בד ‘bad’ is used in reference to Messiah giving His life to protect His flock. In Zechariah 12:10, the prophet speaks of the pierced Messiah who reveals Himself to Israel and leads them to mourn ‘apart’ (Zechariah 12:12-14). The word ‘apart’ is translated from the Hebrew word בד ‘bad.’
In another connection to the piercing of the Messiah is the first use of the word בד ‘bad’ in Scripture. This is seen in Genesis 2:18 where the Word speaks of Adam being ‘alone’ and God’s desire to give him a help meet. This help meet came forth from the ‘piercing’ or cutting of his side. So too, the bride of Messiah comes forth from the cutting of His side when blood and water poured forth (1 John 5:5-11). Amazingly, one of the Hebrew words for linen is also בד ‘bad.’ How do we get clothed in the white linen of His righteousness? Through the blood He shed on the cross (Revelation 19:8; 7:14; Daniel 9:24; Philippians 3:9).
Messiah uses the ‘rod of His mouth’ to punish His enemies (Isaiah 11:4). In Isaiah 63:3, Messiah treads the winepress of God’s wrath alone. Here again is the use of the word בד ‘bad,’ translated as ‘alone.’ After His judgment comes, then His people will dwell in safety ‘alone’ without fear of the enemy.
Deu 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
Deu 33:28 Israel then shall dwell in safety alone {בד ‘bad’}: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.
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The above statements in green came from my understanding of the findings of Isaac Mozeson. All other statements (not in green) are solely my own and should not be attributed to Mr. Mozeson. Direct quotes from Isaac Mozeson’s research will be in quotations with reference to the source of his work from whence these quotes have been acquired.
Little Guy in the Eye 