The two sticks.
Under the image of two sticks that are joined together, Ezekiel is to symbolize the reunion of Israel and Judah that is to take place in the great restoration. We may see here illustrated a great principle, viz. that reunion accompanies restoration. It was so as a fact in the history of Israel After the restoration we no longer meet with the rivalry of the two nations that made the previous history one long quarrel. The people return to their land as one nation, for no doubt there were representatives of the ten tribes (Luke 2:36) as well as people of Judah in the caravans that traveled back from the Captivity. This must have been understood in Christian times. Thus St. James writes to "the twelve tribes" (James 1:1; cf. also 1 Peter 1:1). Christ restores man to himself and to God. In doing go he reunites man to his fellow-men. Let us see how this happy result is brought about, observing some of its causes.
I. A COMMON SORROW. Here the foundation of the reunion was laid. Both of the rival nations were driven into captivity.
1. Sorrow should soften animosity. In our proud prosperity we may foolishly imagine that we can afford to quarrel. There then seems to be an immense reserve of resources, and we can be lavish in squandering what should be regarded as the riches of friendship. But in truth we need friends, and we desire to cherish them.
2. Trouble subdues pride.
3. Trouble elicits sympathy. They who have passed through the deep waters of affliction are usually most ready to sympathize with their sorrowing brethren. If we are "partners in distress," we are the more naturally drawn together. Perhaps this result will give us one explanation of the mystery of sorrow.
II. A COMMON BLESSING. The call to return is for all Israel. All men are called to share in the restoring mercies of Christ. Christians who have responded to the gracious invitation of the gospel and entered into the joy of the new life have all one experience in common. That was a happy day in which hearts leaped for joy when the beloved hills of Palestine came into sight in the blue distance. Surely all old feuds would be forgotten as the restored captives actually walked on their own land and built the cities and planted the vineyards while their gladness overflowed. "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion," they said, "we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad" (Psalms 126:1-3). That was no time for reviving old feuds. Sharing the common blessings of the gospel, we should forget our old quarrels.
III. A COMMON RELIGION. Religion, which should be the great bond of union, has become the great divider of men. People who could agree to live together peaceably on all other accounts fall out about their religion and stand apart in hopeless divisions on this one ground. Thus Israel and Judah were divided by their religion. Israel was jealous of the temple privileges of Jerusalem, and Judah was indignant at the calf-worship of Israel. But now the idolatry is over, and a new temple is to be built at which all parties can work. Christ is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). He breaks down distinctions of race and party. It is the Christlessness of religion that makes religious differences. If we all had more of Christ we should all be more united; for he is the one center of union in the Christian Church.