Definition: Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which [is] in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, [even] with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Ezekiel 37:19. It's a really significant passage about God’s plan for Joseph and ultimately, for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to re-organize the people of Israel. He’s going to unite them all under one government – essentially creating a single, unified nation. Let's unpack each part: “Ezekiel 37:19 Say unto them…” – This tells us who is speaking. It's Ezekiel, the prophet of God, speaking directly to the people of Israel. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph…” - This refers to a specific stick that Joseph was carrying – a symbol of his identity and loyalty to God. “…which [is] in the hand of Ephraim…” - This means Joseph was holding this stick in the hand of Ephraim, one of the northern tribes of Israel. "...and the tribes of Israel his fellows..." – This is the crucial part! God is taking all the tribes of Israel – the people Joseph had been assigned to – and putting them with him. “…and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah…” - This means God is going to combine these tribes into a single group called “Judah.” The "stick" of Judah refers to another tribe of Israel. "...and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand." – This is the big point! God is saying that after this reorganization, all the tribes will become one unified nation. He’s going to create a single, strong, and cohesive group. In simpler terms: God is taking Joseph's stick (representing his loyalty) and putting all the tribes of Israel together as one, forming a unified kingdom under his control. Why is this important? This verse speaks to themes of: Divine Sovereignty: It shows that God has ultimate control over events and can bring about significant changes – even seemingly disruptive ones. Unity & Purpose: It highlights the importance of unity and purpose for the people of Israel, suggesting that their future is tied to God's plan. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God’s judgment or punishment on the northern tribes of Israel. However, many theologians see it as a hopeful message – a promise of restoration and eventual unity after a period of division. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Discuss its historical context (when was this verse written)? Explore different interpretations of the verse?