Ezekiel 37:20

Ezekiel 37:20 is a crucial part of the prophecy of the two sticks, following the powerful vision of the valley of dry bones. This verse emphasizes the visual and tangible nature of God's prophetic message to the exiled Israelites.

Context

This verse comes immediately after the Lord instructs the prophet Ezekiel to take two wooden sticks (or tablets), write "For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions" on one, and "For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions" on the other (Ezekiel 37:16). The subsequent command is for Ezekiel to join them together into one stick in his hand, a symbolic act meant to convey a profound spiritual truth.

The historical backdrop is the division of the ancient kingdom of Israel into two separate entities after the reign of Solomon: the southern kingdom of Judah (comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin) and the northern kingdom of Israel (often identified with Ephraim, representing the ten northern tribes). Both kingdoms had faced judgment and exile, Judah to Babylon and Israel earlier to Assyria. This prophecy, therefore, speaks to the deep longing for national unity and restoration among the scattered people of God, building upon the theme of spiritual resurrection seen in the valley of dry bones vision.

Key Themes

• Reunification of God's People: The primary message is the powerful promise of God to reunite the long-divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel. The two sticks becoming one visibly represents this future national oneness.
• Divine Assurance and Tangible Prophecy: The act of holding the joined sticks "in thine hand before their eyes" highlights that God's promises are not abstract but concrete and undeniable. It's a visual aid to assure the exiles of God's faithfulness to His covenant.
• Messianic Reign: The ultimate fulfillment of this reunification is under one king, identified as "my servant David" (Ezekiel 37:24), a clear prophetic reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the true shepherd who gathers His flock into one.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sticks" is 'etz (עֵץ), which can mean wood, tree, or staff. In this context, it refers to wooden tablets or staves used for writing, making them suitable vehicles for the prophetic message. The phrase "before their eyes" underscores the public and undeniable nature of this prophetic demonstration, ensuring that the people would witness and understand the divine message of unity.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 37:20, and the broader prophecy of the two sticks, offers significant encouragement for believers today:

• God's Faithfulness: It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or divided. He has the power to bring unity out of brokenness.
• Unity in Christ: Spiritually, this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, where believers from all backgrounds—Jew and Gentile—are made one in Christ. Jesus breaks down dividing walls and creates one new humanity.
• Visual Aids in Teaching: The use of tangible objects for instruction (like the sticks) highlights the value of practical, visual methods in conveying truth, whether in ancient prophecy or modern teaching.