Hosea 14

Hosea 14:1

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:2

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:3

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:4

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:5

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:6

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:7

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:8

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.

Hosea 14:9

God Will Reunite Judah and Israel

The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:15). He is to perform another signifying act (Ezekiel 37:16; cf. Ezekiel 4:1; 9; Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 12:3; Ezekiel 24:16). He is to take one stick. On it he is to write “for Judah”, which is the two tribes realm. He must also write on it “for the sons of Israel”. This does not mean the entire ten tribes realm, but refers to the “companions” of Judah among the Israelites. By these companions we can think of the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and of the tribe of Benjamin. We can also think of those who joined the two tribes realm over time from the ten tribes realm because they wanted to remain faithful to the LORD’s service in the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:9; 2 Chronicles 30:11; 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1).

Ezekiel must then take another stick and write on it “for Joseph”. It is “the stick of Ephraim” – the name often used to designate the whole of the ten tribes – “and all the house of Israel, his companions”. “His companions” are all who belong to the ten tribes.

Ezekiel is then to bring those two sticks together and join them “one to another into one stick”, so that in his hand they become one (Ezekiel 37:17). The symbolism of the act is clear. Yet the LORD expects the exiles to ask questions about what Ezekiel is doing (Ezekiel 37:18). The symbolism is that the two houses of Israel will become one again. But there is no belief in this among the people who were taken away. So they ask not so much what it means to them, but what it means to Ezekiel.

The LORD tells Ezekiel what to answer (Ezekiel 37:19). Then it appears that what Ezekiel is to do are the actions of the LORD Himself. He, the LORD, takes Ephraim as a stick and adds it to the stick that represents Judah. Thus He makes them one stick. The place where that happens is His hand. In His hand they become one. The joining together is His work. As Ezekiel passes on what the LORD says, he is to hold the stick, on which he has written the names, in his hand before the eyes of his audience (Ezekiel 37:20).

Next, the LORD tells Ezekiel to tell his fellow people how He will make the two sticks one stick (Ezekiel 37:21). He will take the sons of Israel from among the nations to which they have been scattered and bring them into their own land. Then He will make them one nation on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 37:22). They will then have one King over them, that is the Messiah, and will no longer be divided into two kingdom. This prophecy was not fulfilled at the return from the Babylonian exile, but will be fulfilled in the future.

Then, when they live in their land and enjoy the blessing of the Messiah’s rule, they will no longer fall into idolatry (Ezekiel 37:23). Their return will be accompanied by a cleansing work of the LORD. He can only recognize a cleansed and pure people as His people and of that people be their God. His Servant David is the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:2-4). He will be both King and Shepherd (Ezekiel 37:24). The Lord Jesus, Who is already our Shepherd, will then also be the Shepherd of His people. Under such a leadership of loving care and beneficent authority, they will walk in the LORD’s provisions and observe His ordinances. They will not want to do otherwise.

The land they live on is the land that the LORD promised to His servant Jacob many centuries ago (Ezekiel 37:25; Genesis 28:13). In that land his descendants have lived. In that land future descendants will also live, forever. The guarantee for this is that the Messiah will be their Prince forever. By “forever” is meant the coming age of the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus will reign.

An additional confirmation of this continued blessing is the “covenant of peace” that the LORD will make with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Numbers 25:12; Ezekiel 34:25). This covenant is also an “everlasting covenant” (cf. Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7; 13; 19; Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 18:19; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:17; Psalms 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 50:5; Ezekiel 16:60), which can only be made on the basis of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

The LORD gives them a place of blessing where He will also make them numerous. This numerous posterity will be dedicated to Him, so that He can put His sanctuary in their midst. That sanctuary will also be there forever. Since the exodus of the people from Egypt, the LORD has longed to dwell with a redeemed people. This will then be the case in a perfect way, because the people will be completely in tune with Him.

Thus there is a threefold assurance that the blessing will last forever, that is throughout the period of the realm of peace: 1. Their Prince will reign forever. 2. The covenant is an everlasting covenant. 3. The sanctuary of the LORD will be in their midst forever.

His tabernacle, His dwelling place, is then with them (Ezekiel 37:27). Then that perfect fellowship between God and His people can be enjoyed, to the joy of His heart and to the good of His people. By the presence of His sanctuary in the midst of His people, the nations will know that He is the LORD, Who sanctifies Israel (Ezekiel 37:28).

It is clear that Israel does not owe it to themselves to be back in the land and enjoy abundant blessing. Their return and the blessing they may experience are a testimony to the glory of the Name of the LORD. All honor will be given to Him. He will receive that honor both from His people and from the nations.