The vision of "The Bones Coming Together" is a significant prophetic event described in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 37:1-14. This passage is often referred to as the "Valley of Dry Bones" and is a powerful illustration of God's ability to restore life and hope to His people, Israel.

Context and Background

The Book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, a period of great despair and hopelessness for the Israelites. The prophet Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, was among those taken into captivity. His ministry was marked by vivid visions and symbolic acts intended to convey God's messages to His people. The vision of the dry bones is one of the most memorable and impactful of these revelations.

The Vision

In Ezekiel 37:1-2, the prophet is led by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with dry bones. The bones are described as being "very dry," symbolizing the utter desolation and lifelessness of the people of Israel in exile. God asks Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?" to which Ezekiel responds, "O Lord GOD, You alone know" (Ezekiel 37:3).

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 37:4-8).

The Breath of Life

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 Ezekiel obeys, breath enters the bodies, and they come to life, standing on their feet as a vast army (Ezekiel 37:9-10).

Interpretation and Significance

The vision is explained in Ezekiel 37:11-14. The dry bones represent the whole house of Israel, who say, "Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off" (Ezekiel 37:11). God promises to open their graves and bring them back to the land of Israel, filling them with His Spirit so they will live. This prophecy signifies the restoration and revival of Israel, both physically and spiritually.

From a theological perspective, the vision underscores God's sovereignty and power to bring life from death. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the hope of resurrection. The imagery of the bones coming together and receiving life is a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenant promises to His people.

Application

The vision of the dry bones has been interpreted as a message of hope and restoration not only for Israel but also for the Church. It is a reminder of God's ability to revive and restore His people, even in the most desperate circumstances. The passage encourages believers to trust in God's promises and His power to bring new life and hope where there seems to be none.

In Christian eschatology, the vision is sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of the resurrection of the dead and the ultimate restoration of all things through Christ. It emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into believers, enabling them to stand as a mighty army for God's purposes.