Ezekiel 37:1-6 is about a powerful vision where God uses the prophet Ezekiel to illustrate the restoration of hope and life to the nation of Israel after a period of spiritual desolation.
1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones.
2 And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry.
3 And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.”
4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”
5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.
Setting the Scene for Ezekiel 37:1-6
In Ezekiel chapter 37, we find the prophet Ezekiel in a valley filled with dry bones. The scene is desolate and eerie, with the sun beating down on the lifeless remains scattered across the ground. Ezekiel is alone in this valley, surrounded only by the bones of the dead. As he walks among the bones, he is filled with a sense of despair and hopelessness at the sight before him.
These bones represent the people of Israel who have lost all hope and are spiritually dead. Ezekiel is in this valley as a vision from God, who has brought him here to witness the state of his people. As Ezekiel contemplates the dry bones, he is overcome with a sense of grief for the lost souls of Israel. It is in this moment of despair that God speaks to Ezekiel, instructing him to prophesy to the bones and bring them back to life.
The valley is silent as Ezekiel begins to prophesy, speaking the words of God over the bones. Suddenly, there is a rattling sound as the bones come together, bone to bone, and sinews and flesh cover them. The once lifeless bodies now stand before Ezekiel as a vast army, a powerful symbol of God’s ability to bring life to the dead.
What is Ezekiel 37:1-6 about?
This verse from the Book of Ezekiel is a powerful depiction of God’s ability to bring life out of death and hope out of despair. The image of a valley filled with dry bones symbolizes a situation of utter hopelessness and lifelessness. Yet, through the prophetic vision of Ezekiel, we witness the transformative power of God as He breathes life back into these bones, causing them to come together, take on flesh, and live once again. This verse challenges us as teachers and learners of faith to reflect on the areas of our lives where we encounter dryness and despair. It prompts us to consider the times when we feel like all hope is lost and there is no way for things to improve. But just as God revitalized the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision, He too can breathe new life into our most desolate circumstances. It reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s power to restore and that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of resurrection and new beginnings.
So, let us take heart in the message of this verse and remember that God is the ultimate source of life and renewal. His ability to bring vitality to that which appears lifeless and to infuse hope into the most hopeless of situations is something we should trust in. We too can have faith that God can resurrect and revitalize every aspect of our lives that is in need of His touch, just as Ezekiel witnessed the valley of dry bones come back to life.
Understanding what Ezekiel 37:1-6 really means
In the Book of Ezekiel, we encounter a powerful prophet who ministered during the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel’s visions and prophecies were instrumental in guiding and comforting the exiled Israelites during a time of great despair. Among these visions is the striking account found in Ezekiel 37:1-6, known as the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones.
During this period, the Israelites were in exile, feeling spiritually and nationally desolate. In this vision, Ezekiel is transported to a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the utter hopelessness and desolation of the people. However, this vision also carries a message of restoration and renewal for Israel, both spiritually and nationally.
Key phrases in this passage hold significant meanings. “The hand of the Lord was upon me” signifies divine guidance and empowerment, highlighting Ezekiel’s role as a vessel of God’s message. Being placed in the midst of a valley full of bones represents the depths of despair and hopelessness that the Israelites were experiencing. The question, “Can these bones live?” emphasizes the seeming impossibility of restoration, prompting reflection on God’s power to bring life from death.
The command to prophesy over the bones underscores the transformative power of God’s word to breathe life and hope into the most lifeless situations. The promise, “I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live,” symbolizes the Spirit of God bringing renewal and vitality to a spiritually dead nation.
This vision resonates with other biblical passages such as Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam, and John 11:25, where Jesus proclaims Himself as the resurrection and the life. Romans 8:11 further reinforces the theme of resurrection and new life through the indwelling Spirit of God in believers.
Today, many individuals find themselves in their own “valleys of dry bones,” experiencing spiritual dryness or hopelessness due to various life circumstances. However, Ezekiel’s vision offers a message of hope and restoration, reminding us that God can breathe life and renewal into even the most desperate situations. It encourages us to have faith in God’s power to transform and restore, no matter how bleak our circumstances may seem.
Consider the story of someone who faced a “valley of dry bones” moment in their life, such as battling severe illness, coping with loss, or overcoming addiction. Through faith and the power of God’s word, they experienced transformation and renewal, mirroring the hope and restoration depicted in Ezekiel’s vision.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 37:1-6 reminds us of God’s power to restore, the importance of faith in challenging times, and the timeless relevance of this message today. Let us trust in God’s ability to bring life and hope into our own “valleys of dry bones,” seeking His Spirit to renew and revitalize our spirits. May those feeling hopeless find comfort in the promise of God’s transformative power and the assurance of His presence in every circumstance.
How can we trust God to bring new life?
God shows Ezekiel a vision of a valley filled with dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-6, representing the hopeless and lifeless state of the Israelites. But then God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he does, the bones come together, sinews and flesh cover them, and breath enters them, bringing them back to life. This powerful image of the breath of God bringing new life to what was once dead illustrates God’s ability to bring restoration, transformation, and renewal. We can trust in God’s power to bring new life to any situation, no matter how hopeless it may seem, just as He breathed life into the dry bones.
This passage reminds us that God is the ultimate source of life and has the power to breathe new life into circumstances that appear beyond repair. When we are faced with challenges, setbacks, or seemingly impossible situations, we can trust in God’s promise to bring new growth, healing, and restoration. We can believe that He will bring about new beginnings and resurrection where there was once only death and despair by placing our faith in Him and surrendering our circumstances to His control.
Through the story of the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel 37:1-6 reveals God’s ability to bring hope and transformation out of what appears to be a hopeless and lifeless situation. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s promise of new life, even in the darkest and most desolate times of our lives. We can have faith that God will bring about new life, purpose, and fulfillment in our own lives when we turn to Him in trust and surrender, just as He brought the dry bones back to life through the power of His breath.
Application
Think about the areas of your life that feel lifeless, like dry bones. Just as God breathed life into those bones in Ezekiel 37:1-6, He can revive your worn-out spirit and stagnant situations. Picture your career, family, or dreams taking on new life as God’s power moves through them. Isn’t it time to let Him restore what’s broken? Will you trust God to breathe life into your challenges and renew your strength?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.