Ezekiel 37:20

KJV

And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sticks {H6086} whereon thou writest {H3789} shall be in thine hand {H3027} before their eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sticks on which you write are to be in your hand as they watch.

Berean Standard Bible

When the sticks on which you write are in your hand and in full view of the people,

American Standard Version

And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:20 is a pivotal verse within the "Prophecy of the Two Sticks," illustrating the tangible and public nature of God's divine message concerning the future reunification of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It emphasizes that Ezekiel's prophetic action of holding the inscribed sticks was an undeniable visual sign, designed to assure the exiled Israelites of God's steadfast commitment to their national restoration and spiritual unity under one shepherd-king, offering profound hope amidst their dispersion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Prophecy of the Two Sticks," spanning [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones and the Two Sticks"). It immediately follows the Lord's explicit instructions to Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 37:16-17](/ezekiel/37-16 "Ezekiel 37:16-17 - Instructions for the Two Sticks") to take two distinct wooden sticks—one inscribed "For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions," and the other "For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions." The subsequent command in [Ezekiel 37:19](/ezekiel/37-19 "Ezekiel 37:19 - God's Explanation of the Sticks") is to join these two sticks into one in his hand, a powerful visual aid that precedes the divine explanation of their meaning in the following verses, particularly [Ezekiel 37:21-23](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21-23 - The Reunification Prophecy"). This entire sequence builds directly upon the preceding "Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones" in [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Dry Bones"), which established the foundational theme of spiritual and national resurrection for the exiled people, setting the stage for their promised reunification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this prophecy is the tragic division of the ancient kingdom of Israel, which occurred after the reign of Solomon (c. 931 BC). This schism resulted in the northern kingdom of Israel (often identified with Ephraim or Joseph, comprising ten tribes) and the southern kingdom of Judah (comprising Judah and Benjamin). Both kingdoms eventually faced divine judgment and exile: the northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and the southern kingdom to Babylon in 586 BC, with Ezekiel himself among those exiled to Babylon. In this context of national fragmentation and despair, the people deeply longed for unity, restoration, and a return to their ancestral land. The use of inscribed sticks, tablets, or even ostraca was a common practice in the ancient Near East for recording treaties, legal documents, or delivering prophetic messages, making Ezekiel's actions immediately recognizable and profoundly impactful to his audience. The public display of these inscribed objects would have conveyed the gravity, divine authority, and undeniable nature of the message.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 37:20](/ezekiel/37-20 "Ezekiel 37:20 - The Sticks in Hand") significantly contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent theme is the **Reunification of God's People**, where the two sticks becoming one visibly represents God's powerful promise to bring together the long-divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel into a single, unified nation under one king. This act also underscores **Divine Assurance and Tangible Prophecy**, emphasizing that God's promises are not abstract concepts but concrete, undeniable realities. The command for Ezekiel to hold the joined sticks "in thine hand before their eyes" highlights the public and verifiable nature of God's faithfulness to His covenant, providing a visible sign of hope to the disheartened exiles. Furthermore, this prophecy points directly towards a **Messianic Reign**, as the ultimate fulfillment of this reunification is explicitly stated to occur under "my servant David" in [Ezekiel 37:24](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24 - David, the One King"), a clear prophetic reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would gather and shepherd His people into one eternal kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sticks (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** From H6086, meaning "a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)." In this prophetic context, "sticks" refers to pieces of wood or wooden tablets suitable for inscription. The choice of simple "sticks" rather than more refined materials emphasizes the accessible and unadorned nature of the prophetic act, yet their inherent firmness underscores the enduring and unyielding nature of God's message. These are not merely symbolic objects but physical instruments divinely ordained to bear a profound message.
* **writest (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** From H3789, meaning "to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)." This word highlights the deliberate and authoritative act of inscription, transforming ordinary pieces of wood into bearers of specific, divinely ordained messages. The permanence implied by "graving" or "writing" underscores the unchangeable and certain nature of God's decree regarding the reunification of His people. The act of writing elevates the sticks to a prophetic declaration.
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, meaning "an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)." The phrase "before their eyes" is crucial, emphasizing the public, visual, and undeniable nature of the prophetic demonstration. It signifies that the divine message is not to be hidden or abstract but openly displayed for all the exiled Israelites to perceive and understand, ensuring maximum impact, clarity, and accountability for the observers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sticks whereon thou writest":** This clause directly references the specific divine instructions given to Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 37:16](/ezekiel/37-16 "Ezekiel 37:16 - The Inscribed Sticks") to prepare two distinct pieces of wood and inscribe upon them the names representing the divided kingdoms: Judah and Israel/Ephraim. The act of writing transforms these ordinary sticks into prophetic instruments, bearing the divine message of their separate identities, which are soon to be merged. It underscores the intentionality, specificity, and divine origin of God's command for this symbolic action.
* **"shall be in thine hand":** This phrase emphasizes Ezekiel's active and central role as the prophet, the divinely appointed messenger. His physical holding of the sticks, particularly their being joined into one (as per the preceding command in [Ezekiel 37:19](/ezekiel/37-19 "Ezekiel 37:19 - Joining the Sticks")), signifies the tangible and personal nature of the prophecy. It is not merely a spoken word but a visible, enacted sign, demonstrating God's power working through His chosen servant to bring about the promised unity and restoration.
* **"before their eyes":** This crucial and emphatic phrase highlights the public, transparent, and undeniable nature of the prophetic demonstration. The visual aspect ensures that the exiled Israelites would witness the symbolic act directly and personally. It removes any ambiguity or doubt, making God's promise of reunification a concrete reality presented directly to their perception, thereby serving as a powerful source of hope, assurance, and conviction amidst their despair and unbelief.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:20 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of reunification and divine promise. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "sticks" represent the long-divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Their eventual joining into "one stick" (as commanded in the preceding verse and implied by the broader context) powerfully symbolizes the future reunification of God's people into a single, cohesive nation. This is further enhanced by the use of **Prophetic Act**, where Ezekiel's physical performance—taking, inscribing, joining, and holding the sticks—is not merely illustrative but an integral and essential part of the prophecy itself, making the divine message tangible, immediate, and impactful. The entire scene functions as a **Visual Aid**, specifically designed to communicate complex theological truths (like national restoration and unity) in a simple, memorable, and undeniable way to an audience that was likely disheartened, dispersed, and struggling to grasp abstract promises. The phrase "before their eyes" explicitly underscores this intentional visual communication, ensuring the message's public and undeniable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:20, as an integral part of the prophecy of the two sticks, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to the restoration and unity of His people. Theologically, it speaks to the divine power to overcome deep-seated division, historical brokenness, and national despair, bringing about a new era of oneness under a righteous leader. It is a powerful affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that despite human failure, dispersion, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, His ultimate plan for His people will prevail. The prophecy moves beyond mere political reunification to a spiritual renewal, where a unified people will walk in God's statutes, be His people, and experience God dwelling among them in a restored covenant relationship.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:20, and the broader prophecy it introduces, offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today. It reminds us that even in times of deep division, brokenness, and despair—whether personal, communal, or societal—God possesses the sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to bring about healing and unity. Just as God promised to reunite the fractured kingdoms of Israel and Judah, He is supremely capable of mending our broken relationships, restoring fragmented communities, and bringing reconciliation where there is conflict. This passage calls us to trust in God's restorative power, even when circumstances seem insurmountable, and to actively participate in His work of reconciliation by seeking unity within the body of Christ. It challenges us to be visible signs of God's promises, much like Ezekiel was, allowing our lives to demonstrate the tangible reality of God's unifying love and power before a watching world, embodying the reconciliation Christ has already achieved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do you observe division or brokenness in your personal life, within your community, or in the wider world that desperately needs God's unifying touch?**
* **How does the tangible nature of Ezekiel's prophecy (the sticks displayed "before their eyes") encourage your trust in God's promises, especially when they seem distant or abstract in your own life?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as a believer, embody and actively promote the message of unity and reconciliation in your daily interactions, thereby reflecting Christ's transformative work of breaking down dividing walls?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "sticks" in Ezekiel 37:20?**

Answer: The "sticks" (or wooden tablets) are profoundly significant as they serve as tangible, visual symbols of the long-divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In [Ezekiel 37:16](/ezekiel/37-16 "Ezekiel 37:16 - Instructions for the Two Sticks"), God instructs Ezekiel to inscribe the name of Judah on one stick and the name of Joseph (representing Ephraim, the northern kingdom) on the other. When Ezekiel joins these two sticks into one in his hand, as described in the verses surrounding [Ezekiel 37:20](/ezekiel/37-20 "Ezekiel 37:20 - The Sticks in Hand"), they powerfully symbolize God's unwavering promise to reunite the long-separated northern and southern kingdoms of Israel into a single, unified nation. This vivid visual aid was crucial for the exiled Israelites to grasp the concrete, undeniable nature of God's future plans for their restoration and national cohesion.

**How does this prophecy of reunification relate to the earlier vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37?**

Answer: The prophecy of the two sticks in [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones and the Two Sticks") is a direct continuation and profound expansion of the "Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones" found in [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Dry Bones"). The dry bones vision primarily addresses the spiritual and national resurrection of a seemingly dead, hopeless, and scattered people, bringing them back to life. The two sticks prophecy then specifies the *nature* of this restored life: it will be a unified nation, no longer divided, living securely under one righteous king. Thus, the dry bones vision speaks to Israel's *revival* and reanimation, while the two sticks prophecy speaks to their *reunion* and political/spiritual cohesion, together forming a comprehensive and glorious picture of God's holistic plan for Israel's complete restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:20, and the broader prophecy of the two sticks, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The promise of reuniting Judah and Israel under "one king, my servant David" ([Ezekiel 37:24](/ezekiel/37-24 "Ezekiel 37:24 - David, the One King")) is a direct and powerful messianic prophecy. Jesus, as the Son of David and the true, eternal King of Israel, is the one who gathers His scattered sheep, not only from the literal descendants of Israel but also from all nations. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life to bring together "other sheep that are not of this fold" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")), creating one unified flock under Himself. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), making both one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Humanity")). The spiritual unity of the church, composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, living under the headship of Christ ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ the Head of the Church")), is the glorious fulfillment of Ezekiel's vision of a unified people dwelling securely with God, with His sanctuary among them forever ([Ezekiel 37:26-28](/ezekiel/37-26 "Ezekiel 37:26-28 - God's Covenant of Peace")), embodying the new covenant reality.

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

Ezekiel 12:3

Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Numbers 17:6

And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, [even] twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron [was] among their rods.

Numbers 17:9

And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod.

Hosea 12:10

I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.