you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel associated with him, and I will put them together with the stick of Judah. I will make them into a single stick, and they will become one in My hand.' tell them that this is what the Lord GOD saysThis phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The Hebrew word for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," underscoring God's sovereignty and covenantal relationship with Israel. The phrase sets the stage for a prophetic declaration, reminding the audience that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God, who is faithful to His promises. I will take the stick of Joseph
The "stick of Joseph" symbolizes the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often associated with Joseph's son, Ephraim. In Hebrew, "stick" is "etz," which can also mean "tree" or "wood," symbolizing strength and unity. Joseph, as a patriarch, represents the fruitful and numerous tribes of the Northern Kingdom, highlighting God's intention to restore and unify His people. which is in the hand of Ephraim
Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons, became synonymous with the Northern Kingdom due to its prominence. The "hand" signifies possession and control, indicating that Ephraim holds a significant role among the tribes. Historically, Ephraim was a leading tribe, and its mention here underscores the importance of its inclusion in God's plan for reunification. and the tribes of Israel associated with him
This phrase refers to the other tribes that were part of the Northern Kingdom. The Hebrew word for "associated" can imply a close relationship or alliance. It highlights the collective identity of the Northern tribes and God's intention to restore not just Ephraim but all associated tribes, reflecting His comprehensive plan for Israel's restoration. and I will join it to the stick of Judah
The "stick of Judah" represents the Southern Kingdom, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The act of joining signifies reconciliation and unity. Historically, the division between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms was a result of sin and rebellion. God's promise to join them reflects His redemptive power to heal divisions and restore His people to a unified state. I will make them into a single stick
The transformation into a "single stick" symbolizes the complete reunification of the divided kingdoms. This act of making them one reflects God's sovereign ability to bring about unity and peace. The imagery of a single stick conveys strength, stability, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. and they will become one in My hand
The phrase "in My hand" signifies God's control and protection over the unified nation. The unity is not just political but spiritual, as it is established and maintained by God Himself. This reflects the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan: to gather His people under His rule, ensuring their security and blessing. The imagery of being in God's hand conveys intimacy, care, and divine authority, inspiring hope and trust in God's faithful promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the one delivering God's message in this passage. 2. JosephRepresents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, the dominant tribe of the northern tribes. 3. EphraimThe leading tribe of the Northern Kingdom, often used to symbolize the entire northern tribes of Israel. 4. JudahThe Southern Kingdom, representing the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and the lineage through which the Messiah would come. 5. The Lord GODThe sovereign God of Israel, who is orchestrating the reunification of the divided kingdoms. Teaching Points Unity in God's PlanGod's desire is for His people to be united. The division between Israel and Judah was a result of sin and disobedience, but God's plan is to restore and unify His people. Symbolism of the SticksThe two sticks represent the divided kingdoms. Their joining symbolizes God's power to restore and heal divisions, a reminder of His sovereignty and faithfulness. God's SovereigntyThe passage emphasizes that it is God who will bring about this unity. It is a divine act, not a human endeavor, showcasing His ultimate control over history. Hope for RestorationThis prophecy offers hope to those in exile, reminding them that God has not forgotten His promises and will restore them in His timing. Application to the ChurchJust as God sought to unify Israel, He desires unity within the body of Christ. Believers are called to work towards reconciliation and unity within the church. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the symbolism of the two sticks in Ezekiel 37:19 reflect God's plan for unity among His people? 2. In what ways can the division and eventual reunification of Israel and Judah serve as a lesson for the modern church? 3. How does the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 37:19 connect with the new covenant mentioned in Jeremiah 31? 4. What practical steps can believers take to promote unity within their local church communities, reflecting the unity God desires? 5. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the reunification of Israel encourage us in our personal lives and spiritual journeys? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 48The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh by Jacob, which sets the stage for Ephraim's prominence among the tribes of Israel. 1 Kings 12The division of the united kingdom of Israel into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) after Solomon's reign. Jeremiah 31The promise of a new covenant and the reunification of Israel, which parallels the message of hope and restoration in Ezekiel. John 10Jesus speaks of bringing together His sheep into one flock, echoing the theme of unity and restoration. People Azariah, David, Ezekiel, Hosea, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, MeshachPlaces JerusalemTopics Associated, Behold, Companions, Company, Ephraim, E'phraim, Ephraim's, Fellows, Israelite, Join, Joseph, Judah, Judah's, Making, Says, Single, Speak, Stick, Taking, Thus, Tribes, WoodDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 37:11-23 7135 Israel, people of God Ezekiel 37:15-28 4514 stick Library The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life
1. The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2. And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3. And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, Thou knowest. 4. Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5. Thus …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCome from the Four Winds, O Breath!
"Thou wilt say unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."--Ezekiel 37:9. ACCORDING to some commentators, this vision in the valley of dry bones may refer to three forms of resurrection. Holy Scripture is so marvellously full of meaning, that one interpretation seldom exhausts its message to us. The chapter before us is an excellent example of this fact; and supplies …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 1879-1880. Experiences among Indians --Picnic in the Bush --Distribution of Testaments --"Till He Come" --"A Home and a Hearty Welcome. "
Experiences among Indians--Picnic in the Bush--Distribution of Testaments--"Till He come"--"A Home and a hearty Welcome." Once more in Canada, Miss Macpherson records experience of an unusual kind:-- "In one of the large villages we visited, an all-day prayer-meeting was held from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M., which proved a season of rich blessing. We found openings for mission work all around, farmers and their families willing to gather and sit any length of time with Bible and hymn-book in hand. We feel …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Struggler;
CONTAINING THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER IN WHICH MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS WERE PUBLISHED, AND THE NUMBER OF EDITIONS THEY PASSED THROUGH DURING HIS LIFE. THIRTY REASONS WHY CHRISTIAN PEOPLE SHOULD PROMOTE THEIR CIRCULATION, AND THE STRUGGLER FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THESE LABOURS.--PUBLISHED IN 1691. BY CHARLES DOE, ONE OF MR. BUNYAN'S PERSONAL FRIENDS. A CATALOGUE-TABLE OF MR. BUNYAN'S BOOKS. AND THEIR SUCCESSION IN PUBLISHING, MOST ACCORDING TO HIS OWN RECKONING. Note.--Those that are in Italic letter are …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Let us Now Examine the Conditions under which a Revelation May be Expected To...
2. Let us now examine the conditions under which a revelation may be expected to be given to the original recipients. It may be observed in the first place that a revelation must possess some distinctive character. Even, if it should turn out that there is no such thing in reality at all, at least the notion which we form in our minds must possess such points of difference as to distinguish it from all other notions. It appears needful to bear this in mind, obvious though it is, because there …
Samuel John Jerram—Thoughts on a Revelation The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy that Believers Experience...
The Disciple,--Master, some people say that the comfort and joy that believers experience are simply the outcome of their own thoughts and ideas. Is this true? The Master,--1. That comfort and abiding peace which believers have within themselves is due to My presence in their hearts, and to the life-giving influence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. As for those who say that this spiritual joy is the result only of the thoughts of the heart, they are like a foolish man who was blind from his birth, …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet How Shall the Soul Make Use of Christ, as the Life, which is under the Prevailing Power of Unbelief and Infidelity.
That we may help to give some clearing to a poor soul in this case, we shall, 1. See what are the several steps and degrees of this distemper. 2. Consider what the causes hereof are. 3. Shew how Christ is life to a soul in such a case; and, 4. Give some directions how a soul in that case should make use of Christ as the Life, to the end it may be delivered therefrom. And, first, There are many several steps to, and degrees of this distemper. We shall mention a few; as, 1. When they cannot come …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us.
The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition. Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this. The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them. But first let us …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Prayer.
A man may pray night and day, and yet deceive himself; but no man can be assured of his sincerity who does not pray. Prayer is faith passing into act; a union of the will and the intellect realising in an intellectual act. It is the whole man that prays. Less than this is wishing, or lip-work; a charm or a mummery. PRAY ALWAYS, says the apostle: that is, have the habit of prayer, turning your thoughts into acts by connecting them with the idea of the redeeming God, and even so reconverting your …
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
At least twenty-five different names are used in the Old and New Testaments in speaking of the Holy Spirit. There is the deepest significance in these names. By the careful study of them, we find a wonderful revelation of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. I. The Spirit. The simplest name by which the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Bible is that which stands at the head of this paragraph--"The Spirit." This name is also used as the basis of other names, so we begin our study with this. …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw all Men unto Him.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^D John XII. 20-50. ^d 20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast [The language indicates that they were Greek converts to Judaism, such as were called proselytes of the gate. It is also noted that as Gentiles came from the east at the beginning of Jesus' life, so they also came from the west at the close of his ministry]: 21 these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee [See p. 111. They were possibly …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 37:19 NIVEzekiel 37:19 NLTEzekiel 37:19 ESVEzekiel 37:19 NASBEzekiel 37:19 KJV
Ezekiel 37:19 Commentaries
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