What does Ezekiel 37:16 mean?

'Son of man, take a stick and write on it, “For Judah and the Israelites connected with him.” Then take another stick and write, “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and all the Israelites connected with him.”' Ezekiel 37:16 - Modern Text Bible

(God tells Ezekiel to take two sticks, each representing one of the divided kingdoms of Israel: Judah and Joseph (Ephraim).)