The Parable of the Sheep, the Coin and the Prodigal Son
Lyn Mize
The parable of the
sheep, the coin and the prodigal son illustrates
the doctrine of divine election. The parable
concerns the three elect peoples of God—saved
Gentiles, the Church, and saved Jews. It shows
that God will eventually bring all of the elect
in each category unto repentance. There are
three primary actors in the parable that refer
to God. “What man of you” is a reference to God
the Son, “What woman” is a reference to God the
Holy Spirit, and “A certain man” is a reference
to God the Father.
The 100 sheep typify the elect Gentiles of the tribulation period. The ten silver coins typify the Church and the two sons typify the two houses of Israel divided with the ten lost tribes of Israel being represented by the lost son. The older son represents the house of Judah.
(Luke 15:1 KJV) Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
The publicans and sinners represent the Gentiles of the earth that come to Jesus “for to hear him.” This is important as the Pharisees and scribes represent the Jews and they did not have ears to hear the Lord.
(Luke 15:2 KJV) And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
This verse demonstrates the hard-heartedness of the Jews and their attitude toward Jesus Christ in rejecting Him because he “receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” The above two verses are really only one sentence joined by an adversative conjunction. The Gentiles drew near to him and the Jews murmured against him. With this understanding, we see in the following verse that the “them” has specific reference to the Gentiles that were open to hear the Lord.
(Luke 15:3 KJV) And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
Jesus is speaking this parable to the Gentiles who are open to hear what he says. The Pharisees and scribes were frequently present when the Lord taught in parables, but the parables were not intended for them to understand. There is one exception in Mark where the Lord spoke a parable to them for the purpose of rebuke. They did understand that parable and they were incensed that He spoke against them.
(Luke 15:4 KJV) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
In this parable “What man of you” is a reference to the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. The phrase “What man of you” shows that this man is like the ones being addressed. He is one of their kind, and this has special reference to the Kinsman-Redeemer, or Jesus Christ who took part in our human nature. Jesus Christ is fully man and had to become a man in order to redeem us. The 100 sheep typify elect Gentiles. The number 100 shows the divine election of God for saving Gentiles outside the Church Age. It is tempting to make the 100 sheep the Church, but the Church is seen in the second part of this parable in the ten silver coins. Israel is seen in the third part of the parable in the two sons.
The sheep and goat judgment in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 25:31-46) depicts the judgment of the Gentiles, and they are typified by sheep. Sheep can typify Church members, but the context determines the reference. Sheep refers to the elect of God, and depending upon the context, it can mean any group of the elect. In the following verses, “sheep” refers to Jews, but the verses clarify that these sheep are from the “house of Israel”:
(Mat 10:6 KJV) But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(Mat 15:24 KJV) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The “ninety and nine” represent the elect Gentiles of God. “The wilderness” represents the earth during the tribulation period. In the last half of the tribulation period, it is the Lord working on the earth purging the earth, and bringing elect Gentiles into repentance. This is in contrast to the next part of this parable where the Holy Spirit (i.e., the woman) is working in the house (i.e., the Church) to find the lost silver coin to bring to repentance.
(Luke 15:5 KJV) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
This verse portrays the work of the Lord in bringing the last elect Gentile into repentance. The clause “he layeth it on his shoulders” refers to the use of his power and authority to complete the salvation process among elect Gentiles. All elect Gentiles will eventually be brought to repentance by the power and authority of Jesus Christ. The word “layeth” means “to impose upon in a friendly or hostile manner”. The shoulders represent the power and strength of an individual for bearing burdens. The implication is that the Shepherd will impose repentance upon the lost sheep. All of God’s elect will be brought to repentance, and some of the more obstinate ones will be brought to repentance in a much more forceful manner than others. The prodigal son will be in a state of starvation for a period of time before he returns to the Father’s house. The prodigal son represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel or the unfaithful elect of Israel.
(Luke 15:6 KJV) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
“And when he cometh home” refers to the establishment of Jesus Christ in his kingdom. The “friends” he calls together typify the Old Testament Jews who did not lose their inheritance in the heavenly aspect of the kingdom. The word means a friend of the bridegroom, and John the Baptist was referred to as a friend of the bridegroom. The word “neighbors” refers to those Jews who failed to receive the heavenly aspect of the kingdom, but they do inherit the earthly aspect of the kingdom. The word for neighbors has special reference to the earth, as it means the person whose land (i.e., earth) is adjacent to yours. The Gentiles are not referred to in either group, since the 100 sheep represent them.
(Luke 15:7 KJV) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
This verse summarizes the parable and demonstrates that the place of repentance is the earth, and there is joy in heaven over the repentance of the lost sheep. The phrase “joy shall be in heaven” distinguishes the repentance that is taking place on the earth. The joy in heaven is among the Church, as all members of the Church are in heaven at the time of this action by the Good Shepherd.
It is significant that the ninety-nine are left in the “wilderness” without the care of the Good Shepherd during the time that the lost sheep is sought. This is important in helping us see that the 100 sheep do not typify the Church.
This completes the first part of the parable that refers to elect Gentiles. We will now look at the second part of the parable that deals with the Church.
(Luke 15:8 KJV) Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
The woman in this verse typifies the Holy Spirit, and the ten pieces of silver typify the Church. The candle is actually a portable oil lamp and represents enlightenment by the Holy Spirit. The “house” is the Church. Sweeping means to clean or purify something and it comes from a word that means “to draw”. The Church Age is the age of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit enlightens and convicts the members of the Church into repentance. The Holy Spirit is also called the “Comforter” and represents the nurturing feminine side of the Trinity. This is why a woman typifies the Holy Spirit.
The number ten is the number of ordinal completion, so it represents all of that being considered. The ten pieces of silver represent all of the Church. The following verse confirms the use of house for the Church and the members being vessels of silver:
(2 Tim 2:20 KJV) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
(Luke 15:9 KJV) And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
The “friends” and “neighbors” typify the same groups of people as shown in verse 6 above. The rejoicing is the marriage supper of the Lamb, which actually takes place on earth during the millennial kingdom.
(Luke 15:10 KJV) Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
It is important to note that heaven is not mentioned as a separate place, but “there is joy in the presence of the angels”. “The angels” refers to the messengers or sent ones of God, and refers to the pastors of the Church. In each of the seven letters to the seven churches, the letter was addressed to the “angel” or pastor of that church. The word for presence means “in the face” or “before”. The Holy Spirit works in the Church via the “angels of God”, so there is rejoicing in the presence of the pastors when a Church member repents.
(Luke 15:11 KJV) And he said, A certain man had two sons:
The verse begins the third and last part of the parable of Jesus. “A certain man” typifies God the Father, and the “two sons” refer to the two divisions of the house of Israel. “Sons” refers to the natural children of God, so it refers to both the faithful and the unfaithful of Israel, which are the house of Judah and the house of Israel. The elder son typifies the house of Judah, which remained in Jerusalem when the nation of Israel was divided. The younger son typifies the house of Israel, which departed Jerusalem and eventually became the ten lost tribes of Israel wondering outside the land of Israel.
It is Judah that is in the land of Israel today, but the ten lost tribes are still hidden in the world suffering intensely. We know that one day the lost son will return to his home and will be welcomed by God the father
(Luke 15:12 KJV) And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
When the nation of Israel was divided into the house of Judah and the house of Israel, the land was divided among them. The house of Israel took the northern part of the kingdom, and the house of Judah took the southern portion of the kingdom. It was because of the Northern Kingdom’s unfaithfulness that it was carried away captive by Assyria and completely lost its land. Judah remained in the Southern Kingdom even after certain ones of Judah were carried away captive into Babylon. Daniel and Ezekiel were among those carried away into captivity in Babylon, but Jeremiah was one of those that remained behind in the land. Even in the Diaspora Judah never lost its identity with Judaism, but Israel completely lost its identity with the Jews.
Note: The ten lost tribes of Israel are today hidden in the earth, and very few know their identity. Most of the ten tribes are to be found in Kurdistan and are known as Kurds, but Dan is represented by the remnant of Celts found in Ireland, Wales, Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, England, and Brittany, France. The Celts have been greatly persecuted in their history and remain as a remnant of the Gaelic peoples. Just as the Levites served as priests to the southern kingdom of Judah, the Druids served as priests to the Celts. The writer believes that the tribe of Ephraim is to be found in North America as the American Indian. The Kurds will be linked with the Jews during the tribulation period, but Dan and Ephraim will not be linked with the Jews until Jesus returns in power and glory. This is why Dan and Ephraim are not mentioned among the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits.
(Luke 15:13 KJV) And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
The Northern Kingdom of Israel separated itself from the Southern Kingdom, and it remains in the world today disenfranchised from the nation of Israel. It will be during the hardship of the time of Jacob’s trouble that Israel will return to God the Father and be received into the land of Israel. Those known as Jews in the world today come from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and they have maintained a measure of wealth in the world. They are in possession of the land of Israel as a sovereign nation. The lost tribes of Israel are generally poverty stricken and remain dispossessed of the land of Israel. These facts should help us to see that the elder son represents Judah and the younger son represents Israel.
(Luke 15:14 KJV) And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
It is now that the ten lost tribes of Israel are in dire circumstances and a mighty famine is about to arise in the world. Of course, the mighty famine is the seven-year tribulation period, and specifically the last half of the tribulation period known as the time of Jacob’s trouble.
(Luke 15:15 KJV) And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
The “citizen of that country” represents the saved Gentiles of the last half of the tribulation period. They will show mercy to unfaithful Israel, and unfaithful Israel will be sent “to feed swine”. The “swine” represent the depraved Gentiles of the world.
(Luke 15:16 KJV) And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
It is significant that “he would fain” or would happily eat what he was supposed to feed these swine, but “no man gave unto him” to eat. This shows that unfaithful Israel will not eat the spiritual food that it needs during the last half of the tribulation period. This will not occur until the end of the tribulation period when the remnant of Israel will realize its poverty stricken condition and return to the Father.
(Luke 15:17 KJV) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
At the end of the tribulation period, Israel will realize its condition of hunger or starvation for spiritual food. The hired servants refer to the angels of God who have all their needs met by God the Father.
(Luke 15:18 KJV) I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
It is at the end of the tribulation period that unfaithful Israel will return to God the Father and be welcomed back into the land of Israel where there will be rejoicing over the return of the lost son.
(Luke 15:19 KJV) And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
This verse demonstrates the abject humiliation and the complete and total repentance of unfaithful Israel at the time that it returns to the Father. It will even be willing to be in the same status as the angels of God in being servants to the people of God.
(Luke 15:20 KJV) And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
“And he arose” refers to the spiritual resurrection of unfaithful Israel as it comes to the father. The word translated “came” refers to making a public showing. Thus, unfaithful Israel will be resurrected spiritually and make a public appearance for the purpose of repentance, which is seen in the following verse:
(Luke 15:21 KJV) And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Unfaithful Israel makes a public confession of repentance, and acknowledges its transgressions against God.
(Luke 15:22 KJV) But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
The Father does not simply put unfaithful Israel into the same position as the Angels, which are the servants of God, but He restores Israel to its relationship as the natural son of God the Father. The robe pictures the atonement or salvation, which is the imputed righteousness of Christ. The ring portrays the restored relationship of Israel to the Father. This relationship is that of wife. The shoes depict the spiritual walk that will occur upon this redemption of unfaithful Israel.
The book of Hosea depicts the relationship of Israel to God the Father. Hosea is a type of God the Father, and Gomer is a picture of unfaithful Israel who is first divorced and then brought back into a relationship as wife. God told Hosea to take a prostitute as wife. Harlotry in the Bible is a picture of spiritual fornication or unfaithfulness. Israel has been unfaithful to God, but the relationship will be restored in the near future.
(Luke 15:23 KJV) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
This verse reflects the rejoicing and the celebration that will take place when Israel has returned to God the Father. It is a picture of the millennial kingdom, or the Age of Tabernacles. The millennial kingdom will be the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast is referred to as “The Season of Our Joy” and it refers to the celebration and joy that will take place during this thousand-year period when the Lord will reign over the earth. The curse will be removed from the earth and there will be no sickness upon the earth.
(Luke 15:24 KJV) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The Father proclaims that unfaithful Israel is back from spiritual death and is spiritually alive. The celebration begins and it will not end for a thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be loosed from the abyss and he will be given a short space of time to deceive the nations once more. He will then be cast into the Lake of Fire with the Antichrist and the False Prophet, the other two members of the satanic trinity.
(Luke 15:25 KJV) Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
The elder son in the field typifies the elder nation of Judah who has remained faithful to the land of Israel for a long time. They have been scattered in the world (i.e., “in the field”) since the Diaspora of 70 AD. They will return to Israel (i.e., “drew nigh to the house”) when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to establish the millennial kingdom. The “heard” refers to the spiritual hearing that will take place on the part of Judah. The “music” that Judah hears is the song of salvation that the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits and the ten lost tribes will be singing after the atonement of Israel. The word “music” refers to the harmonious accord that will be taking place in Israel at the time when Israel is restored to the land. The “dancing” that is taking place refers to a round or circular dance, and symbolizes the unity that will be taking place between the Northern kingdom of Israel, the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits and the Southern kingdom of Judah. The elder son returning from the field is the returning of the nation of Judah to the land of Israel. The younger son returning is the returning of the nation of Israel to the land.
When Jesus Christ returns to earth, and especially Jerusalem, He will restore the nation of Israel (i.e. the ten lost tribes) to the land. The nation of Judah has remained faithful to the land of Israel for many years before the ten lost tribes will be brought again to the land. As is seen in the following verse, Judah will not understand the meaning of the music and dancing that is taking place.
Note: My mother and I had an opportunity to witness to her Jewish doctor recently on coming events in Bible prophecy. He is of the tribe of Judah and has remained faithful to the land of Israel, even though he is still hidden in the field of the world. He loves the land of Israel and desires the peace of Jerusalem. At the same time he does not understand the coming salvation as the Church, the saved Gentiles and the return of both Northern and Southern kingdoms to the land of Israel takes place. He will return to Israel and he will be inquiring as to what is happening when the lost tribes of Israel and the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits sing the song of salvation in accord or harmony with each other. The music heard typifies the song of salvation that will be sung by Israel along with the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits. The two kingdoms of Israel and Judah will be unified or joined together, which is symbolized by the dancing.
(Luke 15:26 KJV) And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
This servant that is inquired of by Judah is almost certainly the Church. At this point in time, the Church has been completely redeemed and will be knowledgeable of the events taking place in regard to the song of salvation by the Jews in the land of Israel.
(Luke 15:27 KJV) And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
The Church will explain to Judah concerning the return of the ten lost tribes of Israel, and the millennial celebration that will take place.
(Luke 15:28 KJV) And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
There will apparently be some temporary resentment on the part of the Southern kingdom of Judah who had remained faithful to the land of Israel throughout the last two thousand years of the Diaspora. One of the primary differences between the nation of Judah and the nation of Israel is that Judah knows that they are Jews, but Israel is still not aware of this fact at the present moment.
The Father that comes out to instruct (i.e., “entreated him”) is the public appearance of Jesus Christ to the nation of Judah. The Greek word for “came out” means to make a public appearance. The Father will be revealed or manifested by and in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will appear to the unified nation of Israel to teach and instruct them as to what has happened, just as Joseph appeared to his brothers to explain all the circumstances of how he became to be the number 2 leader over the land of Egypt. Egypt symbolizes the world, and Jesus Christ will be the number 2 leader as the manifestation of God the Father. The rule of Joseph over the land of Egypt was the manifestation of the rule of pharaoh over the land. The typical details of the story of Joseph provide numerous details of the establishment of Jesus Christ in his millennial kingdom. One of the primary points is the recognition of Jesus Christ by his brothers—Israel and Judah. Israel and Judah represent all twelve tribes of the nation of Israel, and all will receive their inheritance in the land of Israel. This includes Dan and Ephraim, which will be brought back in the land after the return of all the others. Antichrist belongs to the tribe of Dan and they do not realize that they are Jews. I believe the American Indian belongs to the tribe of Ephraim. They will be brought back to Israel after Jesus Christ has appeared in power and glory. This event is seen in the following verse of Scripture:
(Isa 56:8 KJV) The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
The “outcasts of Israel” are the lost tribes of Israel, and the “others” are the lost tribes of Dan and Ephraim. Judah refers to the Southern kingdom who are known as Jews throughout the world.
(Luke 15:29 KJV) And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
As the Father appears to Judah in the manifestation of Jesus Christ, there will be some resentment as to the return of the lost ten tribes of Israel to the land. Judah has remained faithful to the land even during the Diaspora. The ten lost tribes of Israel have not remained faithful to the Davidic Covenant, which pertains to the seed of Jacob and the land of Israel belonging to the descendents of Jacob via the twelve tribes of Israel. The Davidic Covenant is the commandment that Judah has not transgressed, but Israel has transgressed.
During the entire period of two thousand years, Judah has not transgressed the Davidic Covenant. They have remained aware of their ties to Jacob and the land of Israel. The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel—the prodigal son—has transgressed the Davidic Covenant and has completely forgotten about their ties to Jacob and the land of Israel. Even though Judah has not transgressed the Davidic Covenant, they have not yet experienced the millennial rest or the merrymaking that will take place when the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel—the prodigal son—are returned home to Israel. There will be a very brief period of resentment to this fact, as is depicted in the following verse:
(Luke 15:30 KJV) But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
As soon as the prodigal son returns, the millennial kingdom will begin and the celebration will be great.
(Luke 15:31 KJV) And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He owns the whole world. He is from the tribe of Judah, so Judah will have a special inheritance in the land of Israel as their Most Favored Son, Jesus Christ will reign from the earthly Jerusalem, as well as the heavenly Jerusalem. Everything that belongs to the Father belongs to Jesus Christ. This includes the heavenly and earthly aspects of the kingdom. The Church will be over the heavenly aspect and the tribe of Judah will be leader over the earthly aspect via Jesus Christ and King David under Him.
(Luke 15:32 KJV) It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
It is further explained that it is appropriate for celebration as the prodigal son—Israel—has back from the dead and alive again. He was lost, but now he is found.
Summary: We have seen in the above three-part parable the salvation of God’s three elect people of Gentiles, Church and Jews. The 100 sheep pertain to Gentiles saved outside of the Church Age during the seven-year tribulation period. The ten silver coins pertain to the salvation of the Church, and the two sons refer to the salvation of the two nations of Israel, as they are brought together again at the end of the tribulation period. The books of Hosea and Ezekiel provide many details of the salvation of Israel. The following chapter 37 of Ezekiel describes the joining of the two sticks of Judah and Israel after Israel is made alive spiritually:
(Ezek 37:1 KJV) The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
(Ezek 37:2 KJV) And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
(Ezek 37:3 KJV) And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
(Ezek 37:4 KJV) Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
(Ezek 37:5 KJV) Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
(Ezek 37:6 KJV) And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
(Ezek 37:7 KJV) So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
(Ezek 37:8 KJV) And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
(Ezek 37:9 KJV) Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
(Ezek 37:10 KJV) So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
(Ezek 37:11 KJV) Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
(Ezek 37:12 KJV) Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
(Ezek 37:13 KJV) And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
(Ezek 37:14 KJV) And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
(Ezek 37:15 KJV) The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
(Ezek 37:16 KJV) 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:
(Ezek 37:17 KJV) And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
(Ezek 37:18 KJV) And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these?
(Ezek 37:19 KJV) Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
(Ezek 37:20 KJV) And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
(Ezek 37:21 KJV) And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
(Ezek 37:22 KJV) And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:
(Ezek 37:23 KJV) Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
(Ezek 37:24 KJV) And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
(Ezek 37:25 KJV) And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.
(Ezek 37:26 KJV) Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.
(Ezek 37:27 KJV) My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(Ezek 37:28 KJV) And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.
The 100 sheep typify the elect Gentiles of the tribulation period. The ten silver coins typify the Church and the two sons typify the two houses of Israel divided with the ten lost tribes of Israel being represented by the lost son. The older son represents the house of Judah.
(Luke 15:1 KJV) Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
The publicans and sinners represent the Gentiles of the earth that come to Jesus “for to hear him.” This is important as the Pharisees and scribes represent the Jews and they did not have ears to hear the Lord.
(Luke 15:2 KJV) And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
This verse demonstrates the hard-heartedness of the Jews and their attitude toward Jesus Christ in rejecting Him because he “receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” The above two verses are really only one sentence joined by an adversative conjunction. The Gentiles drew near to him and the Jews murmured against him. With this understanding, we see in the following verse that the “them” has specific reference to the Gentiles that were open to hear the Lord.
(Luke 15:3 KJV) And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
Jesus is speaking this parable to the Gentiles who are open to hear what he says. The Pharisees and scribes were frequently present when the Lord taught in parables, but the parables were not intended for them to understand. There is one exception in Mark where the Lord spoke a parable to them for the purpose of rebuke. They did understand that parable and they were incensed that He spoke against them.
(Luke 15:4 KJV) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
In this parable “What man of you” is a reference to the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. The phrase “What man of you” shows that this man is like the ones being addressed. He is one of their kind, and this has special reference to the Kinsman-Redeemer, or Jesus Christ who took part in our human nature. Jesus Christ is fully man and had to become a man in order to redeem us. The 100 sheep typify elect Gentiles. The number 100 shows the divine election of God for saving Gentiles outside the Church Age. It is tempting to make the 100 sheep the Church, but the Church is seen in the second part of this parable in the ten silver coins. Israel is seen in the third part of the parable in the two sons.
The sheep and goat judgment in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 25:31-46) depicts the judgment of the Gentiles, and they are typified by sheep. Sheep can typify Church members, but the context determines the reference. Sheep refers to the elect of God, and depending upon the context, it can mean any group of the elect. In the following verses, “sheep” refers to Jews, but the verses clarify that these sheep are from the “house of Israel”:
(Mat 10:6 KJV) But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(Mat 15:24 KJV) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The “ninety and nine” represent the elect Gentiles of God. “The wilderness” represents the earth during the tribulation period. In the last half of the tribulation period, it is the Lord working on the earth purging the earth, and bringing elect Gentiles into repentance. This is in contrast to the next part of this parable where the Holy Spirit (i.e., the woman) is working in the house (i.e., the Church) to find the lost silver coin to bring to repentance.
(Luke 15:5 KJV) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
This verse portrays the work of the Lord in bringing the last elect Gentile into repentance. The clause “he layeth it on his shoulders” refers to the use of his power and authority to complete the salvation process among elect Gentiles. All elect Gentiles will eventually be brought to repentance by the power and authority of Jesus Christ. The word “layeth” means “to impose upon in a friendly or hostile manner”. The shoulders represent the power and strength of an individual for bearing burdens. The implication is that the Shepherd will impose repentance upon the lost sheep. All of God’s elect will be brought to repentance, and some of the more obstinate ones will be brought to repentance in a much more forceful manner than others. The prodigal son will be in a state of starvation for a period of time before he returns to the Father’s house. The prodigal son represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel or the unfaithful elect of Israel.
(Luke 15:6 KJV) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
“And when he cometh home” refers to the establishment of Jesus Christ in his kingdom. The “friends” he calls together typify the Old Testament Jews who did not lose their inheritance in the heavenly aspect of the kingdom. The word means a friend of the bridegroom, and John the Baptist was referred to as a friend of the bridegroom. The word “neighbors” refers to those Jews who failed to receive the heavenly aspect of the kingdom, but they do inherit the earthly aspect of the kingdom. The word for neighbors has special reference to the earth, as it means the person whose land (i.e., earth) is adjacent to yours. The Gentiles are not referred to in either group, since the 100 sheep represent them.
(Luke 15:7 KJV) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
This verse summarizes the parable and demonstrates that the place of repentance is the earth, and there is joy in heaven over the repentance of the lost sheep. The phrase “joy shall be in heaven” distinguishes the repentance that is taking place on the earth. The joy in heaven is among the Church, as all members of the Church are in heaven at the time of this action by the Good Shepherd.
It is significant that the ninety-nine are left in the “wilderness” without the care of the Good Shepherd during the time that the lost sheep is sought. This is important in helping us see that the 100 sheep do not typify the Church.
This completes the first part of the parable that refers to elect Gentiles. We will now look at the second part of the parable that deals with the Church.
(Luke 15:8 KJV) Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
The woman in this verse typifies the Holy Spirit, and the ten pieces of silver typify the Church. The candle is actually a portable oil lamp and represents enlightenment by the Holy Spirit. The “house” is the Church. Sweeping means to clean or purify something and it comes from a word that means “to draw”. The Church Age is the age of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit enlightens and convicts the members of the Church into repentance. The Holy Spirit is also called the “Comforter” and represents the nurturing feminine side of the Trinity. This is why a woman typifies the Holy Spirit.
The number ten is the number of ordinal completion, so it represents all of that being considered. The ten pieces of silver represent all of the Church. The following verse confirms the use of house for the Church and the members being vessels of silver:
(2 Tim 2:20 KJV) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
(Luke 15:9 KJV) And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
The “friends” and “neighbors” typify the same groups of people as shown in verse 6 above. The rejoicing is the marriage supper of the Lamb, which actually takes place on earth during the millennial kingdom.
(Luke 15:10 KJV) Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
It is important to note that heaven is not mentioned as a separate place, but “there is joy in the presence of the angels”. “The angels” refers to the messengers or sent ones of God, and refers to the pastors of the Church. In each of the seven letters to the seven churches, the letter was addressed to the “angel” or pastor of that church. The word for presence means “in the face” or “before”. The Holy Spirit works in the Church via the “angels of God”, so there is rejoicing in the presence of the pastors when a Church member repents.
(Luke 15:11 KJV) And he said, A certain man had two sons:
The verse begins the third and last part of the parable of Jesus. “A certain man” typifies God the Father, and the “two sons” refer to the two divisions of the house of Israel. “Sons” refers to the natural children of God, so it refers to both the faithful and the unfaithful of Israel, which are the house of Judah and the house of Israel. The elder son typifies the house of Judah, which remained in Jerusalem when the nation of Israel was divided. The younger son typifies the house of Israel, which departed Jerusalem and eventually became the ten lost tribes of Israel wondering outside the land of Israel.
It is Judah that is in the land of Israel today, but the ten lost tribes are still hidden in the world suffering intensely. We know that one day the lost son will return to his home and will be welcomed by God the father
(Luke 15:12 KJV) And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
When the nation of Israel was divided into the house of Judah and the house of Israel, the land was divided among them. The house of Israel took the northern part of the kingdom, and the house of Judah took the southern portion of the kingdom. It was because of the Northern Kingdom’s unfaithfulness that it was carried away captive by Assyria and completely lost its land. Judah remained in the Southern Kingdom even after certain ones of Judah were carried away captive into Babylon. Daniel and Ezekiel were among those carried away into captivity in Babylon, but Jeremiah was one of those that remained behind in the land. Even in the Diaspora Judah never lost its identity with Judaism, but Israel completely lost its identity with the Jews.
Note: The ten lost tribes of Israel are today hidden in the earth, and very few know their identity. Most of the ten tribes are to be found in Kurdistan and are known as Kurds, but Dan is represented by the remnant of Celts found in Ireland, Wales, Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, England, and Brittany, France. The Celts have been greatly persecuted in their history and remain as a remnant of the Gaelic peoples. Just as the Levites served as priests to the southern kingdom of Judah, the Druids served as priests to the Celts. The writer believes that the tribe of Ephraim is to be found in North America as the American Indian. The Kurds will be linked with the Jews during the tribulation period, but Dan and Ephraim will not be linked with the Jews until Jesus returns in power and glory. This is why Dan and Ephraim are not mentioned among the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits.
(Luke 15:13 KJV) And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
The Northern Kingdom of Israel separated itself from the Southern Kingdom, and it remains in the world today disenfranchised from the nation of Israel. It will be during the hardship of the time of Jacob’s trouble that Israel will return to God the Father and be received into the land of Israel. Those known as Jews in the world today come from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and they have maintained a measure of wealth in the world. They are in possession of the land of Israel as a sovereign nation. The lost tribes of Israel are generally poverty stricken and remain dispossessed of the land of Israel. These facts should help us to see that the elder son represents Judah and the younger son represents Israel.
(Luke 15:14 KJV) And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
It is now that the ten lost tribes of Israel are in dire circumstances and a mighty famine is about to arise in the world. Of course, the mighty famine is the seven-year tribulation period, and specifically the last half of the tribulation period known as the time of Jacob’s trouble.
(Luke 15:15 KJV) And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
The “citizen of that country” represents the saved Gentiles of the last half of the tribulation period. They will show mercy to unfaithful Israel, and unfaithful Israel will be sent “to feed swine”. The “swine” represent the depraved Gentiles of the world.
(Luke 15:16 KJV) And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
It is significant that “he would fain” or would happily eat what he was supposed to feed these swine, but “no man gave unto him” to eat. This shows that unfaithful Israel will not eat the spiritual food that it needs during the last half of the tribulation period. This will not occur until the end of the tribulation period when the remnant of Israel will realize its poverty stricken condition and return to the Father.
(Luke 15:17 KJV) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
At the end of the tribulation period, Israel will realize its condition of hunger or starvation for spiritual food. The hired servants refer to the angels of God who have all their needs met by God the Father.
(Luke 15:18 KJV) I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
It is at the end of the tribulation period that unfaithful Israel will return to God the Father and be welcomed back into the land of Israel where there will be rejoicing over the return of the lost son.
(Luke 15:19 KJV) And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
This verse demonstrates the abject humiliation and the complete and total repentance of unfaithful Israel at the time that it returns to the Father. It will even be willing to be in the same status as the angels of God in being servants to the people of God.
(Luke 15:20 KJV) And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
“And he arose” refers to the spiritual resurrection of unfaithful Israel as it comes to the father. The word translated “came” refers to making a public showing. Thus, unfaithful Israel will be resurrected spiritually and make a public appearance for the purpose of repentance, which is seen in the following verse:
(Luke 15:21 KJV) And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Unfaithful Israel makes a public confession of repentance, and acknowledges its transgressions against God.
(Luke 15:22 KJV) But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
The Father does not simply put unfaithful Israel into the same position as the Angels, which are the servants of God, but He restores Israel to its relationship as the natural son of God the Father. The robe pictures the atonement or salvation, which is the imputed righteousness of Christ. The ring portrays the restored relationship of Israel to the Father. This relationship is that of wife. The shoes depict the spiritual walk that will occur upon this redemption of unfaithful Israel.
The book of Hosea depicts the relationship of Israel to God the Father. Hosea is a type of God the Father, and Gomer is a picture of unfaithful Israel who is first divorced and then brought back into a relationship as wife. God told Hosea to take a prostitute as wife. Harlotry in the Bible is a picture of spiritual fornication or unfaithfulness. Israel has been unfaithful to God, but the relationship will be restored in the near future.
(Luke 15:23 KJV) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
This verse reflects the rejoicing and the celebration that will take place when Israel has returned to God the Father. It is a picture of the millennial kingdom, or the Age of Tabernacles. The millennial kingdom will be the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast is referred to as “The Season of Our Joy” and it refers to the celebration and joy that will take place during this thousand-year period when the Lord will reign over the earth. The curse will be removed from the earth and there will be no sickness upon the earth.
(Luke 15:24 KJV) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The Father proclaims that unfaithful Israel is back from spiritual death and is spiritually alive. The celebration begins and it will not end for a thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be loosed from the abyss and he will be given a short space of time to deceive the nations once more. He will then be cast into the Lake of Fire with the Antichrist and the False Prophet, the other two members of the satanic trinity.
(Luke 15:25 KJV) Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
The elder son in the field typifies the elder nation of Judah who has remained faithful to the land of Israel for a long time. They have been scattered in the world (i.e., “in the field”) since the Diaspora of 70 AD. They will return to Israel (i.e., “drew nigh to the house”) when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to establish the millennial kingdom. The “heard” refers to the spiritual hearing that will take place on the part of Judah. The “music” that Judah hears is the song of salvation that the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits and the ten lost tribes will be singing after the atonement of Israel. The word “music” refers to the harmonious accord that will be taking place in Israel at the time when Israel is restored to the land. The “dancing” that is taking place refers to a round or circular dance, and symbolizes the unity that will be taking place between the Northern kingdom of Israel, the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits and the Southern kingdom of Judah. The elder son returning from the field is the returning of the nation of Judah to the land of Israel. The younger son returning is the returning of the nation of Israel to the land.
When Jesus Christ returns to earth, and especially Jerusalem, He will restore the nation of Israel (i.e. the ten lost tribes) to the land. The nation of Judah has remained faithful to the land of Israel for many years before the ten lost tribes will be brought again to the land. As is seen in the following verse, Judah will not understand the meaning of the music and dancing that is taking place.
Note: My mother and I had an opportunity to witness to her Jewish doctor recently on coming events in Bible prophecy. He is of the tribe of Judah and has remained faithful to the land of Israel, even though he is still hidden in the field of the world. He loves the land of Israel and desires the peace of Jerusalem. At the same time he does not understand the coming salvation as the Church, the saved Gentiles and the return of both Northern and Southern kingdoms to the land of Israel takes place. He will return to Israel and he will be inquiring as to what is happening when the lost tribes of Israel and the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits sing the song of salvation in accord or harmony with each other. The music heard typifies the song of salvation that will be sung by Israel along with the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits. The two kingdoms of Israel and Judah will be unified or joined together, which is symbolized by the dancing.
(Luke 15:26 KJV) And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
This servant that is inquired of by Judah is almost certainly the Church. At this point in time, the Church has been completely redeemed and will be knowledgeable of the events taking place in regard to the song of salvation by the Jews in the land of Israel.
(Luke 15:27 KJV) And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
The Church will explain to Judah concerning the return of the ten lost tribes of Israel, and the millennial celebration that will take place.
(Luke 15:28 KJV) And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
There will apparently be some temporary resentment on the part of the Southern kingdom of Judah who had remained faithful to the land of Israel throughout the last two thousand years of the Diaspora. One of the primary differences between the nation of Judah and the nation of Israel is that Judah knows that they are Jews, but Israel is still not aware of this fact at the present moment.
The Father that comes out to instruct (i.e., “entreated him”) is the public appearance of Jesus Christ to the nation of Judah. The Greek word for “came out” means to make a public appearance. The Father will be revealed or manifested by and in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will appear to the unified nation of Israel to teach and instruct them as to what has happened, just as Joseph appeared to his brothers to explain all the circumstances of how he became to be the number 2 leader over the land of Egypt. Egypt symbolizes the world, and Jesus Christ will be the number 2 leader as the manifestation of God the Father. The rule of Joseph over the land of Egypt was the manifestation of the rule of pharaoh over the land. The typical details of the story of Joseph provide numerous details of the establishment of Jesus Christ in his millennial kingdom. One of the primary points is the recognition of Jesus Christ by his brothers—Israel and Judah. Israel and Judah represent all twelve tribes of the nation of Israel, and all will receive their inheritance in the land of Israel. This includes Dan and Ephraim, which will be brought back in the land after the return of all the others. Antichrist belongs to the tribe of Dan and they do not realize that they are Jews. I believe the American Indian belongs to the tribe of Ephraim. They will be brought back to Israel after Jesus Christ has appeared in power and glory. This event is seen in the following verse of Scripture:
(Isa 56:8 KJV) The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
The “outcasts of Israel” are the lost tribes of Israel, and the “others” are the lost tribes of Dan and Ephraim. Judah refers to the Southern kingdom who are known as Jews throughout the world.
(Luke 15:29 KJV) And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
As the Father appears to Judah in the manifestation of Jesus Christ, there will be some resentment as to the return of the lost ten tribes of Israel to the land. Judah has remained faithful to the land even during the Diaspora. The ten lost tribes of Israel have not remained faithful to the Davidic Covenant, which pertains to the seed of Jacob and the land of Israel belonging to the descendents of Jacob via the twelve tribes of Israel. The Davidic Covenant is the commandment that Judah has not transgressed, but Israel has transgressed.
During the entire period of two thousand years, Judah has not transgressed the Davidic Covenant. They have remained aware of their ties to Jacob and the land of Israel. The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel—the prodigal son—has transgressed the Davidic Covenant and has completely forgotten about their ties to Jacob and the land of Israel. Even though Judah has not transgressed the Davidic Covenant, they have not yet experienced the millennial rest or the merrymaking that will take place when the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel—the prodigal son—are returned home to Israel. There will be a very brief period of resentment to this fact, as is depicted in the following verse:
(Luke 15:30 KJV) But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
As soon as the prodigal son returns, the millennial kingdom will begin and the celebration will be great.
(Luke 15:31 KJV) And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He owns the whole world. He is from the tribe of Judah, so Judah will have a special inheritance in the land of Israel as their Most Favored Son, Jesus Christ will reign from the earthly Jerusalem, as well as the heavenly Jerusalem. Everything that belongs to the Father belongs to Jesus Christ. This includes the heavenly and earthly aspects of the kingdom. The Church will be over the heavenly aspect and the tribe of Judah will be leader over the earthly aspect via Jesus Christ and King David under Him.
(Luke 15:32 KJV) It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
It is further explained that it is appropriate for celebration as the prodigal son—Israel—has back from the dead and alive again. He was lost, but now he is found.
Summary: We have seen in the above three-part parable the salvation of God’s three elect people of Gentiles, Church and Jews. The 100 sheep pertain to Gentiles saved outside of the Church Age during the seven-year tribulation period. The ten silver coins pertain to the salvation of the Church, and the two sons refer to the salvation of the two nations of Israel, as they are brought together again at the end of the tribulation period. The books of Hosea and Ezekiel provide many details of the salvation of Israel. The following chapter 37 of Ezekiel describes the joining of the two sticks of Judah and Israel after Israel is made alive spiritually:
(Ezek 37:1 KJV) The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
(Ezek 37:2 KJV) And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
(Ezek 37:3 KJV) And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
(Ezek 37:4 KJV) Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
(Ezek 37:5 KJV) Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
(Ezek 37:6 KJV) And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
(Ezek 37:7 KJV) So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
(Ezek 37:8 KJV) And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
(Ezek 37:9 KJV) Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
(Ezek 37:10 KJV) So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
(Ezek 37:11 KJV) Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
(Ezek 37:12 KJV) Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
(Ezek 37:13 KJV) And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
(Ezek 37:14 KJV) And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
(Ezek 37:15 KJV) The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
(Ezek 37:16 KJV) 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:
(Ezek 37:17 KJV) And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
(Ezek 37:18 KJV) And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these?
(Ezek 37:19 KJV) Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
(Ezek 37:20 KJV) And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
(Ezek 37:21 KJV) And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
(Ezek 37:22 KJV) And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:
(Ezek 37:23 KJV) Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
(Ezek 37:24 KJV) And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
(Ezek 37:25 KJV) And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.
(Ezek 37:26 KJV) Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.
(Ezek 37:27 KJV) My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(Ezek 37:28 KJV) And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.