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.
