Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is one of the most vivid and powerful prophetic revelations given to the prophet Ezekiel, found in Ezekiel 37:1-14. This vision is a profound illustration of God's power to restore life and hope to His people, Israel, even in the most desperate circumstances. It serves as a message of both physical and spiritual resurrection, symbolizing the restoration of Israel and the ultimate hope of resurrection for all believers. Context Ezekiel was a prophet during the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of Israel were in despair, having been removed from their homeland and witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The nation was in a state of spiritual and national death, akin to dry bones scattered in a valley. This vision was given to Ezekiel to convey God's promise of restoration and renewal for Israel. The Vision In Ezekiel 37:1-2, the prophet describes being led by the Spirit of the Lord into a valley full of dry bones. The bones were numerous and very dry, symbolizing the utter hopelessness and lifelessness of the exiled nation. God asks Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?" (Ezekiel 37:3), to which Ezekiel responds, "O Lord GOD, You alone know." God then commands Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, declaring that He will cause breath to enter them so they may live. As Ezekiel prophesies, there is a rattling sound, and the bones come together, bone to bone. Tendons and flesh appear on them, and skin covers them, but there is no breath in them (Ezekiel 37:7-8). God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, calling it to come from the four winds and breathe into the slain so they may live. As he obeys, breath enters the bodies, and they come to life, standing on their feet as a vast army (Ezekiel 37:9-10). Interpretation God explains the vision to Ezekiel, stating, "These bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.'" (Ezekiel 37:11). The dry bones represent the people of Israel in their state of despair and hopelessness. God's promise to open their graves and bring them back to the land of Israel signifies the physical and spiritual restoration of the nation (Ezekiel 37:12-14). The breath entering the bodies symbolizes the Spirit of God, who brings life and renewal. This vision not only foretells the return of the exiles to their homeland but also points to the future resurrection and the ultimate restoration of God's people through the Messiah. Theological Significance The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones underscores the sovereignty and power of God to bring life from death. It highlights the theme of resurrection, both in a national sense for Israel and in a spiritual sense for all believers. The passage emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit of God for true life and restoration, pointing to the New Covenant promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This vision also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness and the dire circumstances of exile, God remains committed to His people, promising to restore them and give them new life. The imagery of resurrection foreshadows the ultimate hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 37:1-14The hand of the LORD was on me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the middle of the valley which was full of bones, Nave's Topical Index Library Ezekiel The Great Awakening. The Greater Prophets. The Water of Life; Interpretation of Prophecy. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Greatness of the Soul, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Questions about Ezekiel | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.org Is the king of Tyre prophecy in Ezekiel 28 referring to Satan? | GotQuestions.org Ezekiel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Does not Show Mourning Upon the Death of his Wife Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Employs a Boiling Pot to Symbolize the Destruction of Jerusalem Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Feigns Dumbness Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Prophesies by Parable of an Eagle Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Removes his Belongings to Illustrate the Approaching Jewish Captivity Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Shaves Himself Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Sighs Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Symbolizes the Siege of Jerusalem by Drawings on a Tile Ezekiel: Visions of of a Man With Measuring Line Ezekiel: Visions of of God's Glory Ezekiel: Visions of of Jews' Abominations Ezekiel: Visions of of the Valley of Dry Bones Ezekiel: Visions of of Their Punishment Irony: Ezekiel to the Prince of Tyre Related Terms Stumblingblock (14 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) Side-chambers (10 Occurrences) |
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