Ezekiel 37:19

KJV

Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which [is] in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, [even] with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H1696} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will take {H3947} the stick {H6086} of Joseph {H3130}, which is in the hand {H3027} of Ephraim {H669}, and the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} his fellows {H2270}, and will put {H5414} them with him, even with the stick {H6086} of Judah {H3063}, and make {H6213} them one {H259} stick {H6086}, and they shall be one {H259} in mine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'I will take the stick of Yosef, which is in the hand of Efrayim, together with the tribes of Isra'el who are joined with him, and put them together with the stick of Y'hudah and make them a single stick, so that they become one in my hand.'

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them with it, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in my hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:19 presents a profound divine declaration from the Lord GOD, prophesying the miraculous reunification of the long-divided kingdoms of Israel. Through the vivid imagery of two distinct "sticks"—one representing Joseph (and by extension, Ephraim and the northern tribes), and the other Judah (and the southern tribes)—God reveals His sovereign intent to supernaturally merge them into a single, cohesive nation. This powerful act of restoration signifies the healing of centuries of schism and a return to national solidarity, secured by God's direct and omnipotent hand, assuring His people of a future where their historical fragmentation is completely overcome and they are made perfectly one.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the interpretive key to the symbolic action commanded in [Ezekiel 37:15-17](/ezekiel/37-15-17 "Ezekiel 37:15-17 - The Sign of the Two Sticks"), directly following 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 Dry Bones"). While the dry bones vision emphasizes the spiritual and national resurrection of Israel from the deadness of exile and despair, verses 15-28 shift the focus to the subsequent national reunification. The Lord instructs Ezekiel to take two wooden tablets, one inscribed for Judah and the other for Joseph/Ephraim, and miraculously join them in his hand. Verse 19 then provides the divine explanation for this visual prophecy, clarifying that the joined sticks represent God's intention to unite the historically divided kingdoms. This prophecy sets the stage for the promise of a single king and an everlasting covenant of peace in [Ezekiel 37:24-28](/ezekiel/37-24-28 "Ezekiel 37:24-28 - The Davidic King and Perpetual Covenant"), highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's plan for His people's complete restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to Ezekiel 37:19 is the profound and persistent schism that had plagued the Israelite nation for over three centuries. Following the reign of King Solomon, the united monarchy fractured around 931 BC into the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim, due to the prominence of that tribe) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom, comprising ten tribes, fell to Assyria in 722 BC, leading to their dispersion and perceived loss. The Southern Kingdom, primarily Judah and Benjamin, endured until the Babylonian exile, which commenced in 586 BC. This division was not merely political but deeply religious and cultural, marked by idolatry in the North and ongoing animosity between the two entities. Ezekiel's prophecy, delivered during the Babylonian exile, speaks to a people who had experienced profound national fragmentation and recent devastation, offering a vision of unity that seemed humanly impossible given their long history of separation and suffering.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - Restoration and Reunification") is **restoration and new life**, which this verse specifically applies to national reunification. The concept of **divine sovereignty** is paramount, powerfully underscored by the repeated "I will" statements, emphasizing that this miraculous healing of division is solely God's work, not a result of human effort or political maneuvering. This highlights God's unwavering **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, even in the face of His people's disobedience, scattering, and apparent demise. Furthermore, the prophecy points towards a future **unity under one shepherd**, a theme explicitly developed in [Ezekiel 37:24](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24 - One King for One Nation"), foreshadowing the Messianic reign where all God's people will be gathered and united under a single, righteous king. The promise of "one stick" in God's hand also reinforces the theme of **divine protection and security** for the reunited nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stick (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** (H6086) This word, primarily meaning "tree" or "wood," is used here to symbolize a wooden tablet or rod, often used for writing or as a symbol of authority and tribal identity. In this context, the "sticks" represent the distinct, divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The imagery of two separate pieces of wood being divinely joined into "one stick" powerfully conveys the miraculous nature of God's intended unity, where their separate identities are not merely allied but merged into a single, indivisible entity.
* **fellows (Hebrew, _châbêr'_):** (H2270) Derived from a root meaning "to knit together" or "to be joined," this term denotes an "associate" or "companion." Here, "his fellows" refers to the other tribes of Israel that were associated with Joseph and Ephraim, forming the Northern Kingdom. It emphasizes the collective identity of these tribes as distinct from Judah, highlighting the deep-seated nature of the division that God promises to overcome through a profound act of divine "knitting together."
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** (H259) This numeral signifies "united" or "one," and its repetition in the phrase "make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand" underscores the absolute, complete, and permanent nature of the promised unity. It is not a temporary alliance or a fragile coalition, but a profound, divinely orchestrated fusion into a single, indivisible entity, reflecting God's desire for perfect harmony and solidarity among His people, secured by His own power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This authoritative opening establishes the divine origin and certainty of the message. Ezekiel is merely the conduit; the words are directly from "the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh), signifying the sovereign and covenant-keeping God who possesses both the authority and power to bring about this seemingly impossible reunification.
* **"Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which [is] in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows,":** This clause identifies the first "stick" as representing the Northern Kingdom. "Joseph" and "Ephraim" (Joseph's son, whose tribe became the most prominent in the North) are used synonymously with the ten northern tribes. The phrase "in the hand of Ephraim" indicates their distinct identity, authority, and leadership, highlighting their historical separation from Judah.
* **"and will put them with him, [even] with the stick of Judah,":** Here, God declares His direct, active intention to bring the northern tribes into union with the southern kingdom, represented by the "stick of Judah." This signifies the end of the political, spiritual, and geographical schism that had divided the nation for centuries, promising a reversal of their long-standing estrangement.
* **"and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.":** This climactic declaration reveals the miraculous and comprehensive outcome. God will not just bring them together, but He will "make them one stick," signifying a complete and indivisible unity, a new, unified national identity. The final phrase, "they shall be one in mine hand," powerfully emphasizes that this profound unity is entirely God's doing, sustained, protected, and secured by His omnipotent power and sovereign control, ensuring its permanence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:19 is rich in **Symbolism**, with the "sticks" serving as potent representations of the historically divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This concrete imagery makes the abstract concept of national reunification tangible and comprehensible to the exiles. The transformation of two distinct sticks into "one stick" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the healing of the deep historical schism, illustrating a profound and supernatural act of unification that goes beyond mere political alliance. The repeated use of first-person verbs such as "I will take," "I will put," and "I will make" showcases **Divine Fiat**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, active agency, and unwavering commitment to bringing about this restoration. This prophetic declaration is also an example of **Prophetic Action**, where the physical act of Ezekiel joining the sticks (as commanded in the preceding verses) serves as a visual sermon, reinforcing the verbal message with a tangible demonstration of God's intent and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:19 profoundly reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His unparalleled power to bring unity out of profound division. Theologically, it underscores that God's plans for His people's restoration extend far beyond mere physical return from exile to a complete spiritual and national healing. This reunification is not based on human political maneuvering, military might, or reconciliation efforts, but solely on God's sovereign initiative and omnipotent power. It demonstrates that God's ultimate purpose is to gather His scattered flock and make them one, reflecting His own unified nature and His desire for harmony and solidarity among His people. This promise of unity serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, assuring that despite human failure, disobedience, and fragmentation, His ultimate redemptive purposes will prevail, culminating in a unified people under His gracious hand.

* [Jeremiah 3:18](/jeremiah/3-18 "Jeremiah 3:18 - Reunification of Judah and Israel")
* [Isaiah 11:13](/isaiah/11-13 "Isaiah 11:13 - Ephraim and Judah No Longer Hostile")
* [Hosea 1:11](/hosea/1-11 "Hosea 1:11 - Children of Judah and Israel Gathered Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:19 offers a profound message of enduring hope and divine intervention for a world often characterized by deep-seated division and fragmentation. Just as God promised to heal the seemingly insurmountable historical schism between ancient Israel and Judah, this verse assures us of His unfathomable ability to bring unity out of disunity in our own lives, within our families, communities, and even nations. It encourages us to look beyond seemingly irreconcilable barriers and to place our trust firmly in God's sovereign power to reconcile, restore, and make whole. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances appear bleak and human solutions fail. It challenges us to actively pray for and diligently work towards reconciliation in broken relationships and fractured communities, knowing that God is the ultimate architect of unity, capable of transforming even the most profound divisions into a glorious oneness in His hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do you observe persistent division in your personal life, family, or community that feels as entrenched as the historical schism between ancient Israel and Judah?**
* **How does God's powerful promise to "make them one stick" challenge your perspective on what is truly possible in seemingly irreconcilable situations or relationships?**
* **What practical and prayerful steps can you take to be an intentional agent of reconciliation and unity, empowered by the God who sovereignly makes "one" out of "two"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "stick of Joseph" and "stick of Judah"?**

Answer: The "stick of Joseph" (often synonymous with Ephraim, Joseph's son) represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This kingdom comprised ten tribes and was led by the prominent tribe of Ephraim, having been taken into Assyrian captivity in 722 BC. The "stick of Judah" represents the Southern Kingdom, primarily consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which later went into Babylonian exile. These two sticks symbolize the deep historical, political, and spiritual division that had existed between the two kingdoms for over three centuries. Their joining into "one stick" prophesies God's miraculous act of reunifying these long-separated entities into a single, unified nation under His sovereign hand, ending their historical fragmentation.

**How does this prophecy relate to the vision of the dry bones?**

Answer: This prophecy is a direct continuation and specific application of the preceding vision of the valley of dry bones in [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1-14 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Dry Bones"). The dry bones vision symbolizes the spiritual and national resurrection of the entire house of Israel from the deadness of exile, despair, and national demise. Once revived, the crucial question remains: will they be a fragmented collection of individuals, or a unified nation? Ezekiel 37:19 answers this by promising that the resurrected nation will be made "one stick," signifying that God's comprehensive restoration plan includes not only their spiritual revival and physical return to the land but also the complete healing of their historical divisions, culminating in a unified national identity under one king.

**Has this prophecy been fulfilled?**

Answer: This prophecy has a multi-layered fulfillment. Historically, there was a partial fulfillment when Jews from both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms returned from exile and rebuilt Jerusalem, forming a unified community, though not fully restoring the tribal distinctions as before. However, the ultimate and complete fulfillment points to the Messianic era. The subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 37:24-25](/ezekiel/37-24-25 "Ezekiel 37:24-25 - David My Servant Will Be King") speak of "one king, my servant David," who will rule over them forever. This points unequivocally to Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who brings true and lasting unity to all of God's people—both Jew and Gentile—forming one new humanity, the Church, under His headship. The full eschatological fulfillment awaits the consummation of God's kingdom, when all God's people will be perfectly united under Christ's eternal reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:19, with its powerful imagery of two divided sticks becoming "one in mine hand," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate prophecy concerned the reunification of the historical kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the New Testament reveals that Christ is the true "one shepherd" (as promised in [Ezekiel 37:24](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24 - One King for One Nation")) who gathers all of God's scattered flock into a single, unified body. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility that separated humanity, creating "one new humanity out of the two" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The spiritual Israel, the Church, is now comprised of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, united not by earthly lineage or political affiliation, but by their common faith in Christ. As Jesus Himself declared, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. That too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). Thus, the vision of unity in Ezekiel 37:19 points directly to the universal and spiritual unity found in Christ, where all who believe are made "one" in Him, held securely and eternally in God's sovereign hand.

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

Zechariah 10:6

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Ezekiel 37:16

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:

Ezekiel 37:17

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

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:14

¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

1 Chronicles 9:1

¶ So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they [were] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, [who] were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.