What role does the "breath" play in the restoration of the dry bones? Setting the Vision “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones” (Ezekiel 37:1). What “Breath” Means • Hebrew word: ruach – translated breath, spirit, wind • Carries the ideas of life-force, divine energy, and personal presence • In Scripture, ruach is the agent through whom God creates (Genesis 1:2) and gives life (Genesis 2:7) The Four-Step Restoration 1. Proclamation of life: “I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life” (37:5). 2. Physical reassembling: bones come together, tendons, flesh, skin (37:7-8). 3. Command to the breath: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!” (37:9). 4. Living, standing army: “Breath entered them; they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army” (37:10). What the Breath Actually Does • Transforms lifeless matter into living beings—bones had form, but no life until the breath arrived (37:8-10). • Signifies the direct action of God, not human effort—Ezekiel must prophesy, yet only God’s breath animates. • Imparts spiritual vitality: “I will put My Spirit in you and you will live” (37:14). • Guarantees God’s covenant faithfulness: breath is proof that God keeps His word to restore Israel (37:14). Old and New Testament Echoes • Genesis 2:7—“Then the LORD God formed man… and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” • John 20:22—Jesus “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” • Acts 2:2-4—A “violent rushing wind” fills the house as the Spirit empowers the church. Why This Matters Today • Physical reassembly without breath equals religion without regeneration. • The same Spirit who raised Israel from national death raises individuals from spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1-5). • God’s breath still comes “from the four winds,” reaching every corner of the earth with resurrection power (Romans 8:11). Key Takeaways • Breath is the crucial, divine element that moves restoration from structure to life. • Ruach represents God Himself entering the scene, ensuring the promise of resurrection. • The vision assures that no situation is beyond revival once God’s breath is invited to move. |
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