Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. Feed thy people with thy rod - בשבטך beshibtecha, "with thy crook." The shepherd's crook is most certainly designed, as the word flock immediately following shows. No rod of correction or affliction is here intended; nor does the word mean such.
Solitarily - They have been long without a shepherd or spiritual governor.
In the midst of Carmel - Very fruitful in vines.
Bashan and Gilead - Proverbially fruitful in pasturages.