Ezekiel 37:20

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Ezekiel 37:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.
Ezekiel 37:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezekiel 37

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the sticks whereon thou writest, &c.] Or art about to write the above things, according to order and direction: shall be in thine hand before their eyes; shall be held up to them to look at for some time, and observe the cement of the two sticks; and learn and lay up in their minds what is meant by this emblem; and be assured that what is hereafter said as a further explication of it shall certainly be fulfilled.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A prophecy of the reunion of Israel and Judah, the incorporation of Israel under one Ruler, the kingdom of Messiah upon earth and in heaven. Ezekiel 37:16 One stick - So in the marginal reference the names of the tribes had been written on rods or sticks. For Judah ... - To the house of David had remained faithful, not only Judah, but also Benjamin, Levi, and part of Simeon, and individual members of various tribes 2 Chronicles 11:12-16. Compare the marginal references. Joseph ... Ephraim - Compare Psalms 78:67; Hosea 5:5 ff “Joseph” is the general name here for the ten tribes, including “Ephraim,” the chief tribe, and his companions. Omit “for” before “all.” “All the house of Israel” is…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“37:20-25 When the kingdoms were reunited, the problems that had led to the schism would also be resolved. In place of the abusive and unfaithful leadership of Rehoboam that had split the nation in two (1 Kgs 12), God would supply a single servant leader, a shepherd king. Like David, he would unite the tribes. This restored people would also be renewed and cleansed from their idols and vile images so that the Lord might once again be their God. Thus purified, they would keep the Lord’s decrees and live there forever.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“in thine: Eze 12:3; Num 17:6-9; Hos 12:10 Ezekiel 37:21”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification