Ezekiel 37:17 - Then join them for yourself to one another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 37:17

What does "Ezekiel 37:17" mean?


Ezekiel 37:17 is part of a larger prophecy about the reunification of Israel, specifically the kingdoms of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and Israel (the Northern Kingdom), which had split centuries earlier. Let's break down the meaning:

"Then join them for yourself to one another": This refers to taking two separate sticks, each representing one of the kingdoms, and bringing them together. The prophet Ezekiel was instructed to physically perform this act as a visual aid for the people.

"into one stick": The joining of the two sticks signifies the merging of the two kingdoms into a single, unified nation.

"that they may become one in your hand": This is key. The "your hand" refers to God's hand. It means that this reunification will happen through God's power and plan. It emphasizes that the unity of Israel is not solely a political or human endeavor but a divinely orchestrated event.

Symbolic Meaning:

The verse symbolizes the following:

Reunification of Israel: The core meaning is the restoration of the divided kingdom of Israel into a single nation under God's rule.
Healing of Division: The division between Judah and Israel caused strife, weakened the nation, and strayed from God's will. The verse speaks to the healing of this deep-seated division.
God's Sovereignty: The ultimate source of this unity is God. It is He who brings the two kingdoms together.
Hope and Restoration: In the context of Ezekiel, who was prophesying during the exile, this verse offers hope that despite the current state of despair and dispersion, God will restore His people to their land and unity.

In summary, Ezekiel 37:17 is a powerful image of God's promise to reunify the divided kingdom of Israel, emphasizing that this unity is a result of His divine action and sovereignty.

It's important to note that interpretations of this prophecy vary. Some see it as having been fulfilled in the return from Babylonian exile. Others see it as a prophecy with ongoing relevance, pointing to a future fulfillment of complete unity and restoration for the Jewish people. Still others understand it in a Christian context as symbolizing the uniting of Jews and Gentiles in the Church.