Ezekiel 37 Study Notes

37:14 Both Elijah and Elisha were involved in resurrection events (1Kg 17:17-24; 2Kg 4:18-37; 13:20-21). The focus on the work of the Spirit expands on the meaning of the statement of Ezk 36:27. I will settle you in your own land picks up the theme from the exodus and conquest. It also explains Paul’s statement that the reincorporation of Israel into the community of faith was like “life from the dead” (Rm 11:15). The Jews who live in Israel today should not be viewed as fulfilling this prophecy. Rather, the prophecy will be fulfilled when God gathers believing Israelites to the land (Jr 31:33; 33:14-16) at the second coming of Christ (Mt 24:30-31).

37:15-16 The key word one (single in this verse) occurs ten times in vv. 15-28. On the use of a stick or staff to represent a tribe, see Nm 17.

37:17 By being placed end to end, the two sticks would appear to be a single stick. Ezekiel’s contemporary, Jeremiah, shared Ezekiel’s prophetic vision of a reunited Israel (Jr 3:12,14; 31:2-6; cp. Ezk 4:4-8; 16:53). Fundamental to all prophecy concerning Israel is the presupposition of a united people, a healing of the breach in the commonwealth of God’s people (Is 11:12-13). The prophets recognized the northern tribes as still in existence and knew of no lost tribes (Is 43:5-7; 49:5-6; Jr 3:12-15). Israelites had come from the northern kingdom into the kingdom of Judah particularly during the time of crisis (2Ch 15:9; 30:11,18).

37:18-19 God will reunite the two kingdoms that had been separated since Solomon’s death (1Kg 12). For similar reunion prophecies, see Jr 3:18; 23:5-6; Hs 1:11; Am 9:11. Isaiah 11 also uses the image of a growing tree to symbolize the unification of Israel and Judah under a Davidic king.

37:20-23 Israel and Judah will become the kingdom of God, God’s holy people. Note the covenant formula again in v. 23. (See also 11:20; 14:11; 37:27; Jr 24:7; 31:1,33; 32:38; Zch 8:8; 13:9; 2Co 6:16; Heb 8:10.)

37:24 The “servant” language (cp. Is 49; 53) is characteristic of messianic prophecies. The Davidic heritage, represented by such terms as king and my servant David (cp. 2Sm 7:5,8; Ps 89:20) will establish national unity and keep at bay abuses that were prevalent in Judah’s preexilic history. The new ruler will embody the ideals established in Dt 17:14-20, submitting to the authority of the Lord. The reunification of the tribes is connected to the fostering of messianic hope (Ezk 37:25-28; cp. Rm 11:25-36).

37:25-28 The new covenant is here referred to as a covenant of peace and a permanent covenant.