Ezekiel 37:16

KJV

Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel his companions:

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, take {H3947} thee one {H259} stick {H6086}, and write {H3789} upon it, For Judah {H3063}, and for the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} his companions {H2270}: then take {H3947} another {H259} stick {H6086}, and write {H3789} upon it, For Joseph {H3130}, the stick {H6086} of Ephraim {H669}, and for all the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} his companions {H2270}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"You, human being, take one stick and write on it, 'For Y'hudah and those joined with him [among] the people of Isra'el.' Next, take another stick and write on it, 'For Yosef, the stick of Efrayim, and all the house of Isra'el who are joined with him.'

Berean Standard Bible

“And you, son of man, take a single stick and write on it: ‘Belonging to Judah and to the Israelites associated with him.’ Then take another stick and write on it: ‘Belonging to Joseph—the stick of Ephraim—and to all the house of Israel associated with him.’

American Standard Version

And thou, son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:16 introduces a profound prophetic sign-act where God commands the prophet to take two distinct sticks, symbolically representing the long-divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel (often identified with Joseph/Ephraim). This powerful visual demonstration serves as a divine prelude to the Lord's promise of a miraculous reunification of His scattered people, signaling the end of their historical schism and the restoration of a single, unified nation under the benevolent reign of one shepherd-king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate and crucial follow-up to the transformative vision of the valley of dry bones in [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1-14 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones"). While the dry bones vision primarily emphasizes the spiritual and physical resurrection of the nation of Israel from a state of death and despair, the subsequent prophecy of the two sticks, spanning [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37-15-28 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Prophecy of the Two Sticks and National Reunification"), shifts focus to the political and national reunification of the historically fractured Northern and Southern Kingdoms. This progression highlights God's comprehensive plan for His people: first, their spiritual revival, and then their national restoration and unity, culminating in the establishment of an everlasting covenant and a unified kingdom under a single, righteous Davidic ruler.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time Ezekiel received this prophecy, the people of Judah were enduring the harsh realities of the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness and persistent idolatry. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim or Joseph due to the prominence of these tribes, had suffered an even earlier and more devastating fate, having been conquered and dispersed by the Assyrians over a century prior (circa 722 BC). The deep-seated schism between these two kingdoms originated centuries earlier, following the death of King Solomon and the subsequent reign of Rehoboam, as vividly recounted in [1 Kings 12:16-19](/1_kings/12-16-19 "1 Kings 12:16-19 - The Division of the Kingdom"). This division led to centuries of political rivalry, distinct religious practices (including idolatry in the North), and often open warfare, deeply embedding the fracture in the national consciousness. For the exiled Judeans, the cultural memory of this profound division made the promise of reunification particularly astonishing and profoundly hopeful.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Ezekiel 37:16](/ezekiel/37-16 "Ezekiel 37:16 - The Two Sticks of Judah and Joseph") is the **divine reunification of Israel**. God's sovereign intent is to miraculously bring together the two distinct entities—Judah (representing the Southern Kingdom) and Joseph/Ephraim (representing the Northern Kingdom)—into one cohesive, unified nation. This act powerfully underscores the theme of **divine restoration**, demonstrating God's unparalleled power not only to return His people to their promised land but also to supernaturally heal their deepest internal divisions, thereby fulfilling His ancient covenant promises despite their abject failures. Furthermore, this prophecy lays crucial groundwork for the **promise of one king**, a righteous Davidic descendant, who would shepherd the unified nation. This messianic theme is explicitly developed in [Ezekiel 37:24-25](/ezekiel/37-24-25 "Ezekiel 37:24-25 - David My Servant Shall Be King Over Them"), pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in the person and reign of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stick (Hebrew, _‘ēṣ'_):** (H6086) This term, derived from a root meaning "firmness," primarily denotes "tree" or "wood." In this prophetic context, it refers to a piece of wood, a staff, or a tablet suitable for inscription. The choice of a simple "stick" is significant; it's an everyday object, making the prophetic act tangible and relatable. Its transformation from two separate pieces into one symbolizes the profound, even miraculous, nature of the coming national unity that only divine intervention could achieve.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** (H3063) Meaning "celebrated" or "praised," Judah represents the Southern Kingdom. This kingdom primarily comprised the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with many Levites, and maintained the Davidic dynasty and the central worship at the Temple in Jerusalem until the Babylonian exile. Its inscription on one stick signifies the continuity and distinct identity of this specific lineage and the remnant associated with it.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** (H3130) Meaning "let him add" or "adding," Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, became the patriarch of the prominent tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. In this context, "Joseph" is used metonymically to represent the Northern Kingdom, which was largely dominated by the powerful tribe of Ephraim (hence "the stick of Ephraim"). This kingdom, comprising the ten northern tribes, had a long history of idolatry, political instability, and rebellion against the Davidic line, ultimately leading to its earlier Assyrian exile and scattering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions:"** The divine command is issued to Ezekiel, addressed as "son of man," a designation emphasizing his human frailty in stark contrast to God's omnipotence. He is instructed to take a single, ordinary piece of wood and inscribe upon it the name "Judah." This inscription clearly identifies the stick with the Southern Kingdom. The appended phrase "and for the children of Israel his companions" clarifies that this stick represents not merely the tribe of Judah but all those who remained loyal to the Davidic covenant and were associated with the Southern Kingdom, including the tribe of Benjamin and the Levites, many of whom were also in Babylonian exile.
* **"then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel his companions:"** The prophet is then commanded to take a second, distinct stick. Upon this one, he is to write "For Joseph," with the explicit clarification "the stick of Ephraim." This emphasizes that Joseph, through his son Ephraim, became the representative head of the Northern Kingdom, which consisted of the ten tribes that had broken away from the Davidic monarchy. The concluding phrase "and for all the house of Israel his companions" signifies that this second stick represents the entirety of the Northern Kingdom, including all the scattered tribes associated with it, who had been exiled by Assyria. The visual separation of the two sticks powerfully underscores the deep and long-standing historical division between these two entities.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:16 is profoundly rich in **Symbolism**, where the two physical sticks serve as potent representations of the two politically and spiritually distinct kingdoms of Judah and Israel. This act is a classic example of a **Prophetic Act** or **Sign-Act**, a common feature in prophetic literature where the prophet is commanded to perform a tangible, visible deed to convey a divine message more powerfully and memorably than words alone. The specific instruction to write on the sticks adds an element of **Clarity** and **Identification**, making the represented entities explicit and undeniable. Furthermore, the use of "Joseph" and "Ephraim" to denote the Northern Kingdom is an instance of **Metonymy**, a figure of speech where a part (a prominent tribe or its progenitor) stands for the whole (the ten northern tribes). This literary device efficiently communicates the identity of the Northern Kingdom, leveraging its historical and tribal associations to evoke its entire populace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His ultimate, redemptive plan for the restoration and unity of His people. Despite centuries of deep-seated divisions, political rivalry, and repeated covenant unfaithfulness, God reveals His miraculous intention to heal the historical schism between Judah and Israel, bringing them together as one unified nation under a single, righteous king. This divine act of reunification transcends mere political reconciliation; it signifies a profound spiritual renewal, a healing of national wounds, and the establishment of a righteous kingdom where God's presence will dwell permanently among His people. It speaks profoundly to God's infinite power to mend brokenness, whether national, communal, or individual, and to bring about His perfect will even in the face of human rebellion, fragmentation, and despair.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Promised")
* [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and One Flock")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:16 offers a profound and enduring message of hope, reconciliation, and divine sovereignty for believers today. In a world perpetually characterized by division—whether within families, churches, communities, or nations—this prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate Unifier, capable of bringing together even the most estranged parties. It challenges us to look beyond superficial differences, historical grievances, and entrenched animosities, trusting in God's sovereign power to bring healing and unity where human efforts have repeatedly failed. For the global church, it stands as a compelling call to earnestly pursue the unity that Christ Himself prayed for and accomplished through His atoning work, recognizing that our shared identity in Him transcends all earthly distinctions of race, class, gender, or denomination. This passage encourages us to actively pray for and work towards reconciliation in our own spheres of influence, knowing that God's ultimate plan is for a unified people, perfectly reflecting His own harmonious and triune nature. It provides immense comfort, assuring us that no brokenness is beyond God's miraculous capacity to restore, integrate, and transform into His grand, redemptive design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do you observe deep-seated divisions in your personal life, family, church, or community that seem as entrenched as the historical schism between Judah and Israel?**
* **How does the promise of God's supernatural reunification in Ezekiel 37:16 encourage and empower you to pray for healing and reconciliation in those specific areas?**
* **What practical, Spirit-led steps can you take to actively foster unity, build bridges, and break down barriers within your sphere of influence, thereby reflecting God's profound heart for reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Judah" and "Joseph, the stick of Ephraim" in this prophecy?**

Answer: "Judah" represents the Southern Kingdom, which consisted primarily of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and maintained the Davidic line of kings and the central Temple worship in Jerusalem until the Babylonian exile. "Joseph, the stick of Ephraim" refers to the Northern Kingdom, which was dominated by the powerful tribe of Ephraim (Joseph's son) and comprised the ten northern tribes that separated from Judah after Solomon's reign. The profound significance lies in their historical and political division, which had persisted for centuries, marked by rivalry and even warfare. God's command to write these names on separate sticks, and then to visibly join them, serves as a potent symbolic act. It visually communicates His divine intention to supernaturally reverse this long-standing schism and unite His entire people—both the Northern and Southern kingdoms—into one cohesive nation once again, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 37:22](/ezekiel/37-22 "Ezekiel 37:22 - One Nation, One King").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound prophecy of the two sticks in Ezekiel 37:16 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of "one king" over the reunited Israel, explicitly identified in [Ezekiel 37:24](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24 - David My Servant Shall Be King Over Them") as "My servant David," points directly to the Messiah, Jesus, who is the true Son of David and the eternal, righteous King. He is the divine Shepherd-King who perfectly embodies the divine will to gather His scattered sheep into one unified flock, as He Himself declared in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and One Flock"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down every dividing wall of hostility, not only between Jew and Gentile (as powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")), but also spiritually unifying all who believe into one new humanity—the Church. The national reunification envisioned in Ezekiel serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual unity of all believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, who are now, by grace through faith, part of the one true Israel of God, living under the singular, sovereign headship of Christ. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises and the bringer of everlasting peace, unity, and reconciliation (see [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ") and [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 15:9

And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God [was] with him.

2 Chronicles 10:19

And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

2 Chronicles 10:17

But [as for] the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

Numbers 17:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of [their] fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.

Numbers 17:3

And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod [shall be] for the head of the house of their fathers.

1 Kings 12:16

¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

1 Kings 12:20

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.