Take thee one stick That is, one rod. The expression seems to allude to Numbers 17:2; where Moses was commanded to take twelve rods, one for each tribe, and to write the name of the tribe upon the rod; for Judah, and the children of Israel his companions That is, the tribe of Benjamin, and a part of that of Levi, who adhered to the tribe of Judah. Then take another stick A second, such as the first was; and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim Upon Reuben's forfeiting his birthright, that privilege was conferred upon the sons of Joseph, of whom Ephraim had the precedence: see 1 Chronicles 5:1; Genesis 48:20; which made him to be reckoned the head of the ten tribes; Samaria, the seat of that kingdom, being likewise situate in the tribe of Ephraim. Upon these accounts the name of Ephraim, in the prophets, often signifies the whole kingdom of Israel, as distinct from that of Judah. All the rest of the tribes were the companions of Ephraim, as the tribes of Benjamin and Levi were the companions of Judah. And join them into one stick A rod was an emblem of power, (see Psalms 110:2,) so joining these two rods, or sticks, together, denoted uniting the two kingdoms under one prince, or governor.
Related Commentaries of Ezekiel 37:16
Ezekiel 37:16-17
16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.