Ezekiel 37:17

KJV

And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And join {H7126} them one {H259} to another {H259} into one {H259} stick {H6086}; and they shall become one {H259} in thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, bring them together into a single stick, so that they become one in your hand.

Berean Standard Bible

Then join them together into one stick, so that they become one in your hand.

American Standard Version

and join them for thee one to another into one stick, that they may become one in thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:17 presents a powerful prophetic tableau, where the prophet is commanded to join two symbolic sticks into one, signifying God's divine promise to reunify the long-divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This act, performed "in thine hand," underscores the supernatural agency of God in bringing about a complete and indivisible national and spiritual restoration for His exiled people, culminating in a future of unity under one shepherd-king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Ezekiel's profound vision concerning the restoration of Israel, immediately following the iconic "Vision of the Dry Bones" in [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Dry Bones"). While the dry bones vision primarily addresses the spiritual and national resurrection of a seemingly dead nation, the subsequent prophecy of the two sticks (starting from [Ezekiel 37:15](/ezekiel/37-15 "Ezekiel 37:15 - The Prophecy of the Two Sticks")) specifically tackles the deep-seated historical division within the Israelite people. Verse 17 acts as the climactic command within this symbolic act, demonstrating the divine intention for unity after the initial instruction to inscribe the names of Judah and Joseph onto separate sticks. The narrative then proceeds to elaborate on the nature of this promised unity, culminating in the vision of a reunited nation under one king, a new covenant, and the perpetual presence of God's sanctuary among them ([Ezekiel 37:21-28](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21-28 - The Promise of a Reunited Israel")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 37:17 directly addresses the painful historical reality of the divided kingdom of Israel. Following the death of King Solomon, around 931 BC, the united monarchy fractured into the northern kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim or Joseph, comprising ten tribes) and the southern kingdom of Judah (comprising Judah and Benjamin, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:16-20](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16-20 - The Division of the Kingdom")). This schism led to centuries of political rivalry, religious apostasy, and eventual subjugation by foreign empires. The northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and its people were deported and scattered. The southern kingdom of Judah, though enduring longer, eventually fell to Babylon in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian Exile, the very context in which Ezekiel prophesied. For the exiles, the division was not just a historical memory but a lived reality of separation and loss of national identity. The image of two sticks, each representing a distinct kingdom, would have powerfully resonated with their understanding of their fractured past and their yearning for restoration.

* **Key Themes:** The central message of [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Restoration of Israel") is God's sovereign power to bring life out of death and unity out of division. The act of joining the sticks in [Ezekiel 37:17](/ezekiel/37-17 "Ezekiel 37:17 - The Unification of the Sticks") is a vivid illustration of **Divine Unity and Restoration**, emphasizing that this reunification is not a human political maneuver but a miraculous work of God's hand. This directly addresses the theme of the **Reunification of Israel and Judah**, promising an end to the centuries-old schism and the re-establishment of a single, cohesive nation. Furthermore, the prophecy inherently carries a profound **Messianic Hope**. The ultimate fulfillment of this unity is explicitly tied to the coming of a single, righteous Shepherd and King, identified as "My servant David" ([Ezekiel 37:24-25](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24-25 - David as King Forever")), a clear messianic title pointing to the future reign of the Messiah who would bring true and lasting peace and unity to God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **join (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** From H7126, this word means "to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose; (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take." In this context, it signifies a divine command for Ezekiel to actively bring the two sticks together, representing God's active and intentional initiative in drawing the divided kingdoms into proximity and eventual union. It implies a purposeful act of reconciliation and integration.
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** From H259, this numeral means "properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether." The repetition of "one" in the verse ("one to another into one stick," "become one") powerfully emphasizes a complete, indivisible, and organic unity, not merely a temporary alliance or a loose confederation. It speaks to a fundamental transformation from division to singular identity.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." In this context, "in thine hand" (referring to Ezekiel's hand, but representing God's ultimate agency) signifies divine authority, power, and control. It underscores that this miraculous reunification is not a human achievement but a sovereign act of God, demonstrating His omnipotence and faithfulness to His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And join them one to another into one stick":** This clause describes the prophetic action commanded of Ezekiel. The "them" refers to the two sticks previously mentioned (one for Judah, one for Joseph/Ephraim). The instruction to "join them one to another" highlights the process of bringing the disparate parts into proximity, while "into one stick" emphasizes the desired outcome: a complete and indivisible unity. This is a visual, tangible representation of the spiritual and national reunification God intends to perform.
* **"and they shall become one in thine hand":** This second clause specifies the result and the divine agency behind it. The sticks, once separate, will miraculously merge into a single entity. The phrase "in thine hand" is crucial; while Ezekiel performs the physical act, it is God's power working through him that makes the sticks truly become one. This underscores that the unity is not a superficial joining but a divinely wrought transformation, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the destiny of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:17 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the two sticks represent the historically divided kingdoms of Israel (the northern kingdom, often associated with Joseph/Ephraim) and Judah (the southern kingdom). Their joining into one stick vividly symbolizes the promised reunification of these estranged entities into a single, cohesive nation. This act is also a **Prophetic Act**, a performative prophecy where the prophet's physical action serves as a visual sermon, embodying the divine message and making it concrete for the audience. The entire scene functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for national restoration and spiritual healing, illustrating God's ability to mend deep-seated divisions and bring about wholeness. The phrase "in thine hand" also employs **Synecdoche**, where Ezekiel's hand represents the divine power and authority of God Himself, emphasizing that this is a supernatural work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:17 is a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His power to overcome even the most entrenched divisions. It reveals a God who actively intervenes to restore, unite, and fulfill His promises, transforming fragmentation into wholeness. This prophecy speaks not only to the physical reunification of Israel but also to a deeper spiritual unity, foreshadowing the comprehensive restoration that God brings. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over human history and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan, reminding us that true unity is a work of God, not merely human effort.

* [Jeremiah 3:18](/jeremiah/3-18 "Jeremiah 3:18 - Return from North and South")
* [Isaiah 11:13](/isaiah/11-13 "Isaiah 11:13 - Ephraim and Judah Reconciled")
* [Hosea 1:11](/hosea/1-11 "Hosea 1:11 - Children of Judah and Israel Gathered")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:17 offers timeless encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is the ultimate reconciler and unifier. In a world often marked by division—whether in families, communities, churches, or nations—this verse provides a powerful message of hope. It calls us to trust in God's ability to heal brokenness and to actively pursue unity, knowing that He is at work to bring His people together. For the church, it underscores the New Testament call to unity in Christ, urging us to transcend our differences and live as one body, reflecting God's unifying love to the world. It challenges us to pray for and work towards reconciliation, believing that God can make "one" what seems irrevocably separated.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see division in my own life or community, and how might this passage encourage me to pray for or work towards reconciliation?**
* **How does the idea of God making "one" out of two separate entities challenge my understanding of human effort versus divine power in achieving unity?**
* **In what ways does the unity promised in Ezekiel 37:17 find its ultimate expression in the New Testament concept of the Church?**

### FAQ
**What do the two sticks represent in this prophecy?**

Answer: The two sticks represent the long-divided kingdoms of Israel. One stick is explicitly designated for "Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions" ([Ezekiel 37:19](/ezekiel/37-19 "Ezekiel 37:19 - Stick of Judah")), representing the southern kingdom. The other stick is for "Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions" ([Ezekiel 37:19](/ezekiel/37-19 "Ezekiel 37:19 - Stick of Joseph/Ephraim")), representing the northern kingdom, often called Ephraim or Joseph due to the prominence of that tribe. The joining of these two sticks symbolizes God's promise to reunite these historically estranged entities into a single, unified nation under one king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:17 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal King and Shepherd who brings lasting unity to God's people. The prophecy of one stick becoming "one in thine hand" foreshadows the spiritual reunification of all believers—both Jew and Gentile—into one body under Christ. Just as the two kingdoms were to be joined, so too did Christ break down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Breaking Down the Wall of Hostility")), making them "one new humanity in himself" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity")). He is the "one shepherd" promised in [Ezekiel 37:24](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24 - One Shepherd, David"), gathering His sheep from all nations into "one flock" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus reconciles all things to Himself, establishing a spiritual kingdom where unity is not based on tribal or national identity, but on a shared faith in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Thus, the vision of the two sticks becoming one in Ezekiel's hand points directly to the unifying work of the Messiah, Jesus, who perfectly embodies and eternally fulfills God's promise of a unified people.

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

Hosea 1:11

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

Jeremiah 50:4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

Isaiah 11:13

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

Zephaniah 3:9

For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.

Ezekiel 37:22

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

Ezekiel 37:24

And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.