What does "breath in you" signify about the Holy Spirit's role in renewal? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 37:6 — “I will put breath in you so that you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” In Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones, God promises hopeless, lifeless Israel that He will personally re-create them. At the heart of that promise is “breath”—the Hebrew word ruach, also translated “Spirit” or “wind.” What “Breath in You” Tells Us about the Spirit’s Work • Life-giver — Without the Spirit, Israel is as lifeless as scattered bones; with Him, they “come to life.” (cf. Genesis 2:7; Romans 8:11) • Inner, not merely outer, renewal — Tendons, flesh, and skin are restored first (vv. 7-8), but only when breath enters do the bodies stand and live. Outward reform is powerless without the Spirit’s inward work. • Divine initiative — “I will put” underscores that renewal is God-wrought, never self-generated. (John 1:13; Titus 3:5) • Comprehensive restoration — The same Spirit who animates physical life also restores covenant relationship: “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Knowing God is inseparable from receiving His Spirit. (Jeremiah 31:33-34) • Corporate and personal — The vision addresses the whole nation, yet the phrase “in you” is individual. God’s Spirit revives communities by indwelling people one by one. (1 Corinthians 12:13) How the New Testament Echoes the Promise • John 20:22 — Jesus “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” He fulfills Ezekiel’s promise by imparting the Spirit to His disciples. • John 3:5-8 — New birth is by “water and the Spirit,” likened to irresistible wind. • 2 Corinthians 3:6 — “The Spirit gives life,” contrasting lifeless letter with living covenant. • Romans 8:2 — The Spirit is “the law of life in Christ Jesus,” freeing from sin and death. Practical Takeaways for Today • Personal revival begins with surrender to the Spirit’s indwelling, not with self-help or moral polish. • The same Spirit who raised Christ and revived Israel is available now to quicken weary hearts and stagnant churches. • Assurance flows from His presence: knowing God as “the LORD” is the direct outcome of His breath within. Closing Perspective “Breath in you” is God’s pledge that where His Spirit moves, death gives way to life, hopelessness to vibrant faith, and scattered bones to a standing, spirit-filled army ready to honor Him. |
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