One Kingdom, One King

Ezekiel 37:15–28
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In this chapter, Ezekiel reveals how Israel (God’s people) will be restored to their land from many parts of the world. Once Israel is back in the land and becomes strong, a confederacy of nations from the north will attack, led by Gog (Rev. 20:6). They will come to destroy God’s people.

At the time of Israel’s future restoration, there will be one commonwealth, not two divided kingdoms (vv. 15-23). By the time of the captivities the tribal distinctives were breaking down. Some individuals were not living in their original geographic boundaries. Thus, we read of Judah and Israel as  companions. Joseph has. reference to the northern kingdom. Because of their numerical greatness, the descendants of Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and, Manasseh, were each allotted land as a tribe. We see a national unity of all the tribes together, being ruled by one king and being in spiritual unity by virtue of their regeneration (vv. 21-23).

David my servant must mean the greater Son of David coming out of the loins of King David (vv. 24-28) (II Sam 7:12-13). The many references dealing with the future reign speak of one king, not of a king and a vice-regent. The nature of this king and his kingdom is that it will be in the land (v. 25); it will be for ever (v. 25); it will be peaceful (v. 26); there will be a sanctuary or temple (v. 26); and God’s presence will be with them (v. 26). God’s promise here goes beyond the physical and geographical restoration of Israel (vv. 26-27). He promises to breathe new spiritual life into His people so that their hearts and attitudes will be right with him and unified with one another. This same process is described throughout God’s Word as the cleansing and renewing of our hearts by God’s Spirit (Titus 3:4-6).

Application

God promises to breath new spiritual life into His people so their hearts and attitudes will be right with Him and united with one another. I want to operate my life in a spirit of unity.