The Northern Kingdom (Ephraim) and the
Southern Kingdom (Judah) differed both politically and religiously. They
have never been united since the split between them following the days
of Solomon. The Northern Kingdom was taken captive by the Assyrians.
Upon their captivity, the Ten Tribes have been assimilated and
intermingled into the nations of the world. The intermarriage of the
Assyrians and the descendents of the Northern Kingdom who lived in the
land of Israel were known as Samaritans. The Jews and the Samaritans
never got along with each other. Joseph being sold by his brothers
foreshadows the dividing of the nation of Israel into Northern Kingdom
and Southern Kingdom. Joseph's unification with His brothers foreshadows
the unification of Ephraim and Judah in the end of days. Ezekiel lying
on his side foreshadows the sin and punishment of the Northern Kingdom.
The suffering of a righteous individual can atone for the sins of the
nation of Israel. The suffering of Ezekiel foreshadows the suffering of
the Messiah for His people. The Ten Tribes did not unite with Judah at
the end of the Babylonian captivity during the days of Ezra and
Nehemiah. Orthodox Jews pray three times a day for the ingathering of
the exiles of Israel. The Ten Tribes will return to the land of Israel
and be united with Judah at the dawn of the Messianic Era. It is the
Messiah who will gather the exiles of Israel.
