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 37:16 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God instructs the prophet Ezekiel to take two sticks and write on one of them "For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions," and on the other "For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions." This symbolic act represents the reunification of the divided kingdom of Israel. The stick representing Judah symbolizes the southern kingdom, comprised of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin, while the stick representing Joseph symbolizes the northern kingdom, which included the ten tribes led by Ephraim. By joining the two sticks together, God foreshadows the reunification of His people, restoring the divided kingdom into one united nation under His reign. This act also serves as a reminder of God's promise to bring all His people back together, fulfilling His covenant with Israel.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of this verse from Ezekiel 37:16-17 is the concept of unity and restoration of the divided kingdom of Israel. The use of the two sticks represents the joining together of the southern kingdom (Judah) and the northern kingdom (Joseph/Ephraim) into one nation once again. This symbolizes the reunification and reconciliation of the people of Israel under the leadership of God. The word "stick" in Hebrew can also be translated as "branch," which further emphasizes the idea of unity and growth within the nation. The prophecy in these verses foretells a time when the divided people of Israel will come together as one, united under the covenant of God. This interpretation highlights the themes of reconciliation, redemption, and unity within the larger narrative of Israel's history and relationship with God.
Ezekiel 37:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
And 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:
World English Bible
You, son of man, take one stick, and write on it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write on it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
Douay-Rheims
And thou son of man, take thee a stick: and write upon it: Of Juda, and of the children of Israel his associates: and take another stick and write upon it: For Joseph the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, and of his associates.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer thou sonne of man, take thee a piece of wood, and write vpon it, Vnto Iudah, and to the children of Israel his companions the take another piece of wood, and write vpon it, Vnto Ioseph the tree of Ephraim, and to al the house of Israel his companions.