Israel Reunited as One People under God and His Servant David (vv.15-16) — The divine command in v. 15-16 is the last action prophecy in Ezekiel and the only one in connection with the salvation oracles. Another command follows in v.20, and then a long divine speech evolves to relate to the Christological new David. The use of a “wood” is a synonym for the cross in both Scripture (Gal 3:13; 1 Pet 2:23) and our liturgy (Proper Preface for Holy Week). Ezekiel has used the word in various senses before: trees in general (6:13; 17:24); fruit trees (34:27); wood from which a skilled craftsman can make something (15:2-3); and fuel for the fire (15:6; 24:10; 39:10). The Greek OT (LXX) translates it with the Word for royal “scepter” (Gen 49:10; Num 24:17; Ps 45:7). The could be the shepherd rod/staff, especially in light of David. It could also be a “writing board.”
vv.17-20 – Both boards include “Israel,” indicating the undivided covenant nation. It seems now that Yahweh is anxious to reunify the two kingdoms. Judah (Southern) is given priority over Joseph/Ephraim (Northern). Only God can do the unifying. Their hands scatter; Yahweh’s hand gathers. He will personally heal the breach and fulfill His promise. Ezekiel is given to hold the sticks/boards together as a sign of the following verbal message.
vv. 21 – The promise of restoration continues for the “sons of Israel,” pointing the hearer back to “Israel/Jacob” and all the patriarchs. “From all nations” indicates not just those in Babylon but the wider Diaspora, as those scattered by the Assyrians (2 Ki 17:6; 18:11). The integration of Samaria or others is impossible for man (See Ezra and Nehemiah), any more than a heart transplant (26:26-27) or dead bones coming back to life (27:1-14). On Pentecost, we see the worldwide restoration of God’s Israel by including Gentiles, grafted in through faith and Baptism into Christ. Thus, “all Israel” that will be saved are all believers in Christ, Jewish and Gentile alike (Rom 11:22-27; Acts 4:12). Note the Exodus typology, also integrated into the NT confession of Baptism.
vv. 22-23 – As part of the divine reunification of Israel is also the king who would undo the rebellion of Jeroboam and rule in such a way that it would no longer be possible for the people to be divided into two political entities. While it seems that Ezekiel is often anti-monarchic on principle, he shies away from a “king” because of their horrible track record (7:27; 21:25). But here he describes an eschatological David, who is “King” and “their Prince forever,” fulfilled in the future Son of David, Jesus Christ, who will reign over God’s people in perfect fidelity and righteousness. He will free them from what condemned them in the past: “fecal dieties” or “dung gods,” “disgusting practices” or “abominations,” and “rebellious actions.” The people’s inveterate sinfulness is the real enslaving power. Yahweh takes all the verbs “to save” and “to cleanse, purify.” It involves establishing a…