After king Solomons rule, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two parts. The one kingdom was often referred to as Ephraim because it was the most dominant and important tribe. The other kingdom was Judah.
The conflicts, between these descendants of Israel (Jakob), would completely end after the return from Babylon.
I will make them one nation (1) in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule (2) over all of them, and they will no longer be two nations; nor will they be divided any longer into two kingdoms.
– Eze 37:22
Parts of this prophesy were fulfilled when Jews, together with Israelites from other tribes would return from Babylon to Jerusalem as documented in the book of Ezra.
Then, during his first year as ruler of Babylon, Cyrus issued a decree opening the way for the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. (Ezr 1:1-4) A remnant that may have numbered 200,000 (including men, women, and children) made the journey, arriving in Judah in 537 B.C.E. (Ezr 1:5–3:1; 4:1)
– Exiles Return From Babylon (Insight, Volume 2)
The Israelites were deported together to Babylon and no tribal separation was made
In a similar prophecy, the references to David as being the king of this cleansed people and their “one shepherd” and “chieftain to time indefinite” clearly point to a greater fulfillment on the nation of spiritual Israel, the Christian congregation, under the anointed Heir to David’s throne, Christ Jesus.—Eze 37:21-25; compare Lu 1:32; Joh 10:16.
– Disgusting Thing, also Loathsome Thing (Insight, Volume 1)
Obviously, Ezekiel’s words do have a greater fulfillment. After the destruction of Jerusalem, the line of kings beginning with David ended with the last disobedient king Zedekiah.
The next ruler in the line of David would be the greater David, Jesus Christ who would bring unity to the divided kingdom of Israel and in a greater fulfillment to all mankind (see also Eze 34).
“… they will all have one shepherd.” (Eze 37:24)
“And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.
– Jo 10:16
Talking about two groups of Christ’s sheep who would be united under Jesus Christ whom they recognize as their shepherd.
And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
– 1Pe 5:4
Peter referring to Christ’s brothers and their future reward from their chief shepherd, Jesus Christ.
“They will walk in my judicial decisions and carefully observe my statutes” (Eze 37:24)
This reminds how important it is for Jehovah that his people live according to his standards. A similar thought is found earlier in Eze 36:27
What is the result of their obedience, their unity and their great leader Jesus Christ?
Friendship with God “forever“
An eternal “Covenant of peace” (Eze 37:26)
A peaceful relationship with God. When combined with Eze 34:25 this peace would also mean that there are no threats to them.
“My sanctuary among them forever” (Eze 37:26)
“My tent [dwelling place or home] with them” (Eze 37:27)
In times of Moses, the tabernacle (often referred to as sanctuary) was used to worship Jehovah, offer gifts and receive forgiveness. In their travel through the wilderness, the tent was in the center of the camp. It also made obvious that Jehovah is the god leading them out of Egypt and the Israelites were his chosen nation.
When combined with Re 21:3 this scripture prophesies a beautiful future for humans on the Earth (obvious when reading the context of Re 21). In the bigger fulfillment, the tent (or tabernacle) would be with all mankind bringing abundant blessings to everybody not only Israelites.
With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.
– Re 21:3