Haftarah for Vayigash

Ezekiel 37:15-28

G-d had Ezekiel write on two boards, one for Judah and one for Ephraim (representing the heads of the two Jewish kingdoms of Judah and Israel, respectively). Ezekiel was to hold the two planks together and they would become one. When the people would ask about the meaning of this act, Ezekiel was to explain that this is how G-d will reunite the nation in His "hand." They will gather together in the land of Israel, one nation under one king. They will give up idolatry and G-d will purify them of their past sins. David (meaning the Messiah, a descendant of King David) will rule over them and shepherd them. The people and their descendants will remain securely in the land forever. G-d will forge an everlasting covenant of peace with the Jews and permanently restore the Temple.