Ezekiel 37:22

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H6213} them one {H259} nation {H1471} in the land {H776} upon the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}; and one {H259} king {H4428} shall be king {H4428} to them all: and they shall be {H5750} no more two {H8147} nations {H1471}, neither shall they be divided {H2673} into two {H8147} kingdoms {H4467} any more at all:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Isra'el; and one king will be king for all of them. They will no longer be two nations, and they will never again be divided into two kingdoms.

Berean Standard Bible

I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:22 presents a profound divine promise of national reunification for the exiled people of Israel. Following centuries of division into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah), God declares His sovereign intent to restore them as a single, unified nation dwelling securely in their land upon the mountains of Israel, governed by one singular king. This prophecy signifies the end of internal strife and division, ushering in an era of lasting peace and unified governance under a divinely appointed ruler.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 37:22 is a climactic declaration within Ezekiel's overarching vision of Israel's restoration. It immediately follows the powerful vision of the [valley of dry bones](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Dry Bones") (Ezekiel 37:1-14), which vividly portrays the spiritual and national resurrection of the nation from the death of exile. This is then followed by the symbolic act of joining two sticks—one representing Judah and its associated tribes, and the other representing Joseph (Ephraim) and the house of Israel—into [one stick in Ezekiel's hand](/ezekiel/37-19 "Ezekiel 37:15-21 - The Joining of the Two Sticks"). This dramatic visual aid (Ezekiel 37:15-21) sets the stage for the explicit promise in verse 22, confirming that the spiritual revival of the dry bones will result in a tangible, political, and national unity, reversing the schism that began centuries earlier with [Rehoboam's reign](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 37:22 directly addresses the historical reality of Israel's divided monarchy. Following the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into two distinct entities around 931 BC: the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim or Samaria, comprising ten tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (comprising Judah and Benjamin). Both kingdoms eventually fell to foreign powers—Israel to Assyria in 722 BC and Judah to Babylon in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian exile. The people were scattered, and the land lay desolate. Culturally, this division fostered animosity and distinct identities, often leading to conflict rather than cooperation. The promise of "one nation" and "one king" directly counteracts this deep-seated historical and political fragmentation, offering a vision of restoration that transcends the bitter memories of division and foreign domination. The "mountains of Israel" refer to the homeland, emphasizing a return to their ancestral territory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration**, emphasizing God's active and unilateral role ("I will make them one nation") in fulfilling His covenant promises, even when human efforts have failed. Secondly, **National Unity** is paramount; the repeated emphasis on "one nation," "one king," and "no more two nations" underscores the divine desire to heal the deep historical schism between Israel and Judah, restoring them to a cohesive whole. Thirdly, the theme of **Messianic Kingship** emerges with the promise of "one king shall be king to them all." While partially fulfilled by post-exilic leaders, this points to a future, ideal ruler who will govern eternally and righteously, a theme echoed in other prophetic texts like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Reign") and [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch"). Finally, the phrase "no more... at all" signifies **Eternal Covenant and Security**, promising a permanent end to the cycles of division, exile, and insecurity that plagued ancient Israel, ushering in an era of lasting peace under God's ultimate reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term, while often translated as "nation" and commonly used for foreign, Gentile peoples, here refers to the people of Israel as a distinct ethnic and political entity. The emphasis is on their collective identity and unity. The promise is that this "nation," though previously divided, will become a singular, cohesive body, no longer fragmented.
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral signifies a profound, indivisible unity, not merely a joining of separate parts but their complete integration into a single, cohesive whole. Its repeated use ("one nation," "one king") underscores the absolute nature of the promised unity. This is the same word used in the Shema, [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: The Lord is One"), indicating a unity that can reflect God's own indivisible nature.
* **divided (Hebrew, _châtsâh'_):** This primitive root means "to cut or split in two" or "to halve." Its use here explicitly negates the historical reality of Israel's schism. The divine promise is to reverse this cutting or splitting, ensuring that the people will no longer be separated into distinct political entities, thereby bringing an end to the internal fragmentation that weakened and ultimately contributed to their downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel;":** This clause highlights God's sovereign initiative ("I will make") in bringing about the reunification of His people. The "one nation" signifies the healing of the historical schism between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The phrase "in the land upon the mountains of Israel" emphasizes their return to their ancestral homeland, signifying not just spiritual revival but also physical restoration and secure dwelling in their divinely appointed territory.
* **"and one king shall be king to them all:":** This is a pivotal messianic promise. It declares the establishment of a singular, unified monarchy over the reunited people, contrasting sharply with the previous history of dual kingships (one for Israel, one for Judah) and the subsequent absence of a Davidic king during exile. This "one king" points forward to an ideal, righteous ruler who will govern all the tribes of Israel, ensuring justice and peace.
* **"and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:":** This strong negative declaration underscores the permanence and totality of the promised unity. The repeated "no more" and the emphatic "any more at all" signify an irreversible end to the historical fragmentation and political division that plagued Israel for centuries. It promises a future state of lasting peace, stability, and internal harmony under the unified rule of the promised king.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, with the word "one" (`ʼechâd`) appearing multiple times ("one nation," "one king"), powerfully emphasizing the theme of indivisible unity. Similarly, the negation "no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all" uses **Anaphora** and **Emphasis** to underscore the absolute and permanent cessation of division. The entire passage functions as a **Prophecy** of future restoration, delivering a divine promise through the prophet. The image of "one nation" and "one king" serves as a **Symbolism** for the ideal, unified, and divinely governed community that God intends for His people, contrasting with their historical reality of fragmentation. The phrase "mountains of Israel" is a **Metonymy** for the entire land of Israel, signifying their secure re-establishment in their homeland.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:22 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate plan for His people. It reveals a divine commitment to reverse the consequences of human sin and division, bringing about a profound and lasting unity. The prophecy points to a future where God's people, regardless of their past fragmentation, will be gathered under a single, righteous head, dwelling securely in their land. This divine initiative underscores that true unity is not merely a human endeavor but a supernatural work of God, reflecting His own unified nature and His desire for harmony within His creation. The "one king" foreshadows the ultimate reign of God's chosen Messiah, under whom all divisions will cease and perfect peace will be established.

* [Jeremiah 3:18](/jeremiah/3-18 "Jeremiah 3:18 - Return of Israel and Judah")
* [Isaiah 11:12-13](/isaiah/11-12 "Isaiah 11:12-13 - Gathering of Israel and Judah")
* [Zechariah 10:6](/zechariah/10-6 "Zechariah 10:6 - Restoration of Judah and Ephraim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:22 offers profound hope and practical lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's sovereign ability to bring unity out of division and life out of death. In a world often characterized by fragmentation, conflict, and polarization, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's ultimate desire is for His people to be one. It challenges us to look beyond our differences—whether theological, cultural, or social—and to actively pursue the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, recognizing that our true identity is found in Christ, who is our "one King." Just as God promised to gather and unite a scattered and divided Israel, He continues to work in our lives and in the church to heal brokenness, reconcile relationships, and build a unified body that reflects His glory. This prophecy encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem insurmountable, and to live as ambassadors of reconciliation, embodying the unity we have in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see division in my own life, community, or the church, and how might this verse encourage me to pray for or work towards unity?**
* **How does the promise of "one king" in Ezekiel 37:22 deepen my understanding of Jesus's role as the head of the church and the Lord of all?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual believer, contribute to the spiritual and relational unity of God's people today?**

### FAQ
**What caused the division of Israel into two kingdoms?**

Answer: The division of Israel into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah)—occurred around 931 BC, shortly after the death of King Solomon. This schism was primarily a result of King Rehoboam's harsh policies and unwillingness to lighten the burdens placed on the people, leading ten of the twelve tribes to rebel and form their own kingdom under Jeroboam. This event is detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").

**Has this prophecy of "one nation" and "one king" been fulfilled?**

Answer: This prophecy has a multi-layered fulfillment. A partial fulfillment occurred with the return of exiles from both Judah and Israel after the Babylonian captivity, who, though still under foreign rule, began to reconstitute themselves as a single people in the land. However, the ultimate and complete fulfillment points to the future, particularly in the person and reign of the Messiah. The "one king" is ultimately Jesus Christ, who reigns over a spiritual kingdom comprising believers from all nations, and whose future return will establish a perfect and eternal kingdom where all divisions are abolished, and His people are truly one.

**How does this prophecy relate to modern-day Israel?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 37:22 speaks of a physical return and reunification of the ancient tribes, its primary theological thrust is God's sovereign power to restore and unite His people under a righteous king. Many interpret the modern state of Israel as a partial fulfillment of the physical return to the land, but the spiritual and ultimate "one nation" under "one king" is widely understood by Christians to find its complete reality in the church, which comprises both Jew and Gentile united in Christ, and in the future messianic kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of "one king shall be king to them all" directly points to the Messiah, the true Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world yet encompasses all who believe. Jesus is the [Good Shepherd who gathers His sheep](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") from every fold, making them "one flock with one shepherd." Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating [one new humanity](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is the head of the church, His body, which is called to embody this unity, transcending ethnic, social, and national distinctions (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). The vision of Israel as "one nation" under "one king" is realized in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ, who are citizens of a heavenly kingdom and look forward to the day when He will return to establish His eternal reign, where there will be [no more tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"), and His unified people will dwell with Him forever.

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 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.

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.

Jeremiah 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

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.

Isaiah 11:12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.