Connect Ezekiel 37:9 with Genesis 2:7 regarding God's life-giving breath. Setting the Scene “Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7) “Then He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!’” (Ezekiel 37:9) The Breath in Creation • Dust had shape and substance, but no animation until the LORD Himself “breathed” (Hebrew nĕshamah) into Adam. • Life, therefore, originates not in matter but in God’s own person. • Other witnesses: – Job 33:4: “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” – Psalm 104:30: “When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.” The Breath in Restoration • In Ezekiel’s vision the “dry bones” represent Israel in exile—physically present, spiritually inert. • God commands Ezekiel to summon “breath” (Hebrew rûach — breath, wind, Spirit). • As in Genesis 2, life surges only when God’s breath enters. • Literal fulfillment began with Israel’s return from Babylon and anticipates their ultimate national regeneration (cf. Ezekiel 37:14). Parallels to Notice • Same Divine Source—Only the LORD imparts life; no created being can. • Same Method—His breath/Spirit moves directly into lifeless bodies. • Same Result—Dust becomes a “living being”; bones become “a vast army” (Ezekiel 37:10). • Same Purpose—Display of God’s glory through living testimony (Ezekiel 37:13; Isaiah 43:7). From Creation to New Creation • John 20:22—Jesus “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” • Acts 2:2–4—A “violent rushing wind” fills believers; the Church is born. • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Key Takeaways for Daily Life • Physical existence without God’s Spirit is spiritual death; true life is God-inspired. • The same breath that animated Adam and revived Israel now indwells everyone who trusts in Christ (Romans 8:11). • Restoration—whether personal, familial, or national—remains possible because the breath of God has not diminished in power. |
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