The “Stick of Joseph” and the False Foundation of Mormon Theology

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims that the Book of Mormon is a prophetic fulfillment of Ezekiel 37:16–17, alleging that the “stick of Joseph” refers to their extra-biblical scripture and that the “joining” of it with the “stick of Judah” (which they say is the Bible) foretells a latter-day restoration of the gospel. This interpretation is deeply flawed—both textually and historically—and represents a common tactic in Mormon theology: retroactively inserting LDS beliefs into the biblical text where they do not belong.

Let’s begin with what Ezekiel 37 actually says.

"Son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘For Judah and the Israelites associated with him.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph (the stick of Ephraim) and all the house of Israel associated with him.’ Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand.”
—Ezekiel 37:16–17 (NIV)

This passage is not, and never was, about two sets of scriptures. God commanded Ezekiel to take two literal wooden sticks—symbolizing the divided kingdoms of Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel/Ephraim (the northern kingdom)—and hold them together to show that God would reunite His people into one nation under one King (Ezekiel 37:22–24). It is a powerful image of national restoration, not doctrinal revelation.

Even a surface reading of the surrounding context makes this abundantly clear. Ezekiel 37 is a chapter filled with symbolic acts, including the famous “valley of dry bones” earlier in the same chapter (Ezek. 37:1–14), a prophetic vision of Israel’s spiritual resurrection and return from exile. The two sticks come next, reinforcing the theme of covenant renewal and unity. There is nothing in the text that even hints at the concept of books, scripture, or a coming "restored church."

Yet Mormon apologists insist that these sticks are “books”—with one representing the Bible and the other the Book of Mormon—joined in fulfillment of LDS restoration claims. This is not interpretation; it is eisegesis—reading one's own beliefs into the text without regard for its actual meaning.

This argument also commits a category fallacy by conflating the medium of Ezekiel’s object lesson (wooden sticks) with the message of LDS scripture. The passage never refers to scrolls, books, or sacred writings. It speaks of tribes, nations, and the unifying work of God among His people. To claim otherwise is to force modern LDS theology onto an ancient Hebrew prophecy in a way that no Jewish scholar, early Church Father, or Christian theologian ever did for nearly 2,000 years.

Mormons further argue that this “joining” of the sticks aligns with Peter’s statement in Acts 3:21 that Christ will remain in heaven “until the time comes for God to restore everything.” But this verse refers to the final restoration of all creation, not the publication of new scriptures. As the New Testament teaches, God’s final word to humanity has already been given:

 “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets... but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
—Hebrews 1:1–2 (NLT)

The apostles consistently warned against additions to the gospel. Paul was direct:

 “Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different gospel than the one we preached to you.”
—Galatians 1:8 (NLT)

And the Bible closes with a solemn warning:

 “If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.”
—Revelation 22:18 (NLT)

The LDS claim to new revelation not only contradicts Scripture—it positions Joseph Smith and his writings above the apostles, and above the authority of Jesus Christ Himself.

At its core, the “stick of Joseph” argument is a distraction. It seeks to lend divine legitimacy to a book filled with historical errors, doctrinal contradictions, and fabricated claims. It is not the Word of God. It is another gospel, and it stands under the condemnation of Galatians 1:6–9.

The Bible is sufficient. The gospel is complete. Christ is enough.

Sources:

The Holy Bible. New International Version, Zondervan, 2011.

The Holy Bible. New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, 2015.

English Standard Version Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2016.

“Ezekiel 37.” Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+37.

“Acts 3:21.” Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+3%3A21.

MacArthur, John. The Gospel According to Jesus: What Does Jesus Mean When He Says ‘Follow Me’? Zondervan, 2008.

Rhodes, Ron. Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons. Harvest House Publishers, 1995.

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