# Overview Ezekiel Chapter 37 is a profound and prophetic vision given to the prophet #Ezekiel, often referred to as the vision of the valley of dry bones. This chapter begins with the #Lord's hand bringing Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the #HouseOfIsrael in a state of hopelessness and desolation. The Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to these bones, declaring that God will cause breath to enter them so they may live. As Ezekiel obeys, a miraculous transformation occurs: the bones come together, and flesh covers them, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. The breath of life, representing the #SpiritOfGod, is then commanded to enter the bodies, bringing them back to life as a vast army. This vision signifies the promise of revival and restoration for Israel, even when all seems lost. The chapter then transitions to a symbolic act involving two sticks. The Lord instructs Ezekiel to take one stick representing #Judah and the Israelites associated with him, and another stick representing #Ephraim and the rest of Israel. These two sticks, when joined together, symbolize the reunification of the divided kingdoms of #Judah and #Israel. This act foreshadows a future where God will gather His people from among the nations, unite them under one king, and establish an everlasting covenant of peace with them. The chapter concludes with the assurance of God's presence dwelling among His people, affirming His role as their God and they as His people, a theme consistent with the #covenantal promises made throughout #Scripture. ## Theological Insights Ezekiel 37 presents a profound vision that encapsulates God's power to restore and renew His people, #Israel, which has significant theological implications for understanding #restoration and #resurrection. 1. **The Valley of Dry Bones**: In this vivid imagery of dry bones coming to life, the #prophet #Ezekiel is shown God's ability to bring life out of death and hope out of despair. This metaphor for the spiritual restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 37:1-14) highlights God's sovereignty and His promise to breathe new life into His people. It reflects the theme of #resurrection, which resonates with later New Testament theology, particularly in the context of the resurrection of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] and the promise of eternal life for believers (see also [[John/John Chapter 11]] for Jesus raising Lazarus). 2. **The Promise of Unity**: The prophetic act of joining two sticks into one (Ezekiel 37:15-28) symbolizes the reunion of the divided kingdoms of #Judah and #Israel under one king. This act foretells the coming of a united people under the reign of one shepherd, which Christians understand as a messianic prophecy pointing to [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the #GoodShepherd (see also [[John/John Chapter 10]] for Jesus' discussion of being the Good Shepherd). 3. **Covenant of Peace**: The chapter concludes with the assurance of an everlasting covenant of peace, where God will dwell with His people forever (Ezekiel 37:26-28). This promise of divine presence among His people anticipates the New Testament revelation of God dwelling among humanity through #Christ and the indwelling of the #HolySpirit (see also [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]] for the vision of the New Jerusalem where God dwells with His people). Ezekiel 37 thus provides a rich theological foundation for understanding God's redemptive plans for His people, emphasizing themes of resurrection, unity, and divine presence that are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. ## Thematic Connections ### Restoration and Resurrection Ezekiel 37 presents a vivid image of restoration and resurrection through the vision of the valley of dry bones. This theme of resurrection connects to the promises of new life found throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, the resurrection of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] is the ultimate fulfillment of this theme, as seen in [[John/John Chapter 11|John 11]] with the raising of #Lazarus and the promise of eternal life. The vision illustrates God's power to bring life to what is dead, resonating with the hope of resurrection in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians 15]]. ### The Sovereignty and Spirit of God The role of the #HolySpirit in the reanimation of the dry bones underscores the theme of God’s sovereignty and the transformative power of His Spirit. This theme echoes the creative work of the Spirit in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1|Genesis 1]], where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters, bringing order and life. Additionally, the prophecy in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2]] about God pouring out His Spirit connects with this theme of divine empowerment and renewal. ### Unity and Reunification The joining of the two sticks representing #Judah and #Israel symbolizes the reunification of God’s people, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament through the breaking down of divisions between Jew and Gentile, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2]]. Ezekiel's vision of unity foreshadows the church's mission to unite all people under Christ, as illustrated in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 3|Galatians 3]] where there is neither Jew nor Greek, but all are one in Christ. ### Covenant Faithfulness Ezekiel 37 also emphasizes God’s covenant faithfulness, as He promises to bring His people back to their land and renew His covenant with them. This theme connects to God's promises to #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12]] and the reaffirmation of the covenant in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19|Exodus 19]] at Mount Sinai. The restoration and renewal of God's people in Ezekiel 37 highlight the unwavering commitment of God to His promises, pointing forward to the new covenant established through [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 8|Hebrews 8]]. ### Hope and Future Glory The transformation of the dry bones into a living army represents the hope and future glory awaiting God's people. This theme of hope is a consistent thread throughout Scripture, offering encouragement and assurance in times of despair. The prophetic vision in Ezekiel 37 mirrors the hope declared in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 29|Jeremiah 29:11]] of a future and a hope, and it aligns with the ultimate hope of believers in the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as outlined in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones In Ezekiel 37, the vision of the valley of dry bones symbolizes the restoration and revival of the nation of #Israel. This prophecy is fulfilled in several ways throughout the scriptures. The re-gathering of the scattered bones represents the physical and spiritual revival of Israel, a theme echoed in other prophetic texts such as [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31]], where God promises to gather His people from the ends of the earth. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the coming of the #Messiah, who brings spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead, as seen in [[John/John Chapter 11|John 11:25-26]], where Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life. ### The Unification of Israel and Judah Ezekiel 37 also predicts the reunification of the divided kingdoms of #Israel and #Judah. This is symbolized by the two sticks becoming one in the prophet's hand. This prophecy points to a future time when the divisions within God's people will be healed, a theme that resonates with the New Testament message of unity in Christ. In [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:14-16]], Paul speaks of Jesus breaking down the dividing wall of hostility, creating one new humanity. This unification is not only a national restoration but also a spiritual one, fulfilled through the reconciling work of Christ. ### The Everlasting Covenant of Peace The prophecy of an everlasting covenant of peace in Ezekiel 37:26-28 is fulfilled through the new covenant established by Jesus. This new covenant is prophesied in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]] and realized through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, as described in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 8|Hebrews 8:6-13]]. This covenant promises a permanent relationship between God and His people, characterized by peace, presence, and divine blessing, which is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. ### The Restoration of the Davidic Kingdom Ezekiel 37:24-25 speaks of a future ruler from the line of #David who will shepherd and rule over a unified and restored Israel. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David, whose reign is established as eternal and just. This is in line with the earlier promise in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]] and echoed in the New Testament where Jesus is recognized as the promised King, fulfilling the Davidic Covenant. In [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 22|Revelation 22:16]], Jesus Himself states, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David," affirming His rightful place as the eternal King. ## Verses - **Ezekiel 37:1** - "The LORD took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with bones." - Note: See similar experiences of being carried by the Spirit in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18]] and [[Acts/Acts Chapter 8]]. - **Ezekiel 37:2** - "He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out." - Note: The imagery of dry bones can be related to death and desolation as seen in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 141]]. - **Ezekiel 37:3** - "Then he asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones become living people again?' 'O Sovereign LORD,' I replied, 'you alone know the answer to that.'" - Note: The question of life and restoration is a theme seen in passages like [[John/John Chapter 11]] where Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. - **Ezekiel 37:4** - "Then he said to me, 'Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD!'" - Note: Prophetic declarations over what seems impossible are seen in other scriptures such as in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55]]. - **Ezekiel 37:5** - "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!" - Note: The concept of breath and life can be compared to the creation account in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 2]]. - **Ezekiel 37:6** - "I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'" - Note: God's power to restore life is also reflected in [[Job/Job Chapter 33]]. - **Ezekiel 37:7** - "So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons." - Note: The theme of obedience to God's command and witnessing His power is similar to [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 6]]. - **Ezekiel 37:8** - "Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them." - Note: This progressive formation of life parallels God's creative process in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1]]. - **Ezekiel 37:9** - "Then he said to me, 'Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.'" - Note: The four winds can symbolize God's sovereignty over all creation as seen in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7]]. - **Ezekiel 37:10** - "So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army." - Note: The transformation from death to life and the formation of an army resonates with the vision of God's people restored in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 11]]. - **Ezekiel 37:11** - "Then he said to me, 'Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.'" - Note: This lament and loss of hope is echoed in the cries of the Israelites in [[Lamentations/Lamentations Chapter 3]]. - **Ezekiel 37:12** - "Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel.'" - Note: God's promise of restoration is a recurring theme, as seen in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 29]]. - **Ezekiel 37:13** - "When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD." - Note: Recognition of God's sovereignty is emphasized throughout scripture, including in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 6]]. - **Ezekiel 37:14** - "I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the LORD has spoken!'" - Note: The indwelling of God's Spirit is also a promise seen in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2]] and fulfilled in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]. - **Ezekiel 37:15** - "Again a message came to me from the LORD:" - Note: The continuation of God's communication with Ezekiel is a pattern seen in other prophetic books like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 1]]. - **Ezekiel 37:16** - "'Son of man, take a piece of wood and carve on it these words: ‘This represents Judah and its allied tribes.' Then take another piece and carve these words on it: ‘This represents Ephraim and the northern tribes of Israel.'" - Note: The symbolic use of objects in prophecy is similar to that in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 19]]. - **Ezekiel 37:17** - "Now hold them together in your hand as if they were one piece of wood." - Note: The theme of unity is prevalent in scriptures like [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 133]]. - **Ezekiel 37:18** - "When your people ask you what your actions mean," - Note: The questioning of prophetic actions is seen in [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 12]]. - **Ezekiel 37:19** - "say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take Ephraim and the northern tribes and join them to Judah. I will make them one piece of wood in my hand.'" - Note: God's promise of unity and restoration is echoed in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31]]. - **Ezekiel 37:20** - "Then hold out the pieces of wood you have inscribed, so the people can see them." - Note: Visual demonstrations of prophecy are also found in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 11]]. - **Ezekiel 37:21** - "And give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home to their own land from the places where they have been scattered." - Note: The gathering of Israel is a promise also seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 11]]. - **Ezekiel 37:22** - "I will unify them into one nation on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule them all; no longer will they be divided into two nations or into two kingdoms." - Note: The prophecy of unity under one king is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, seen in [[John/John Chapter 10]]. - **Ezekiel 37:23** - "They will never again pollute themselves with their idols and vile images and rebellion, for I will save them from their sinful apostasy. I will cleanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God." - Note: The theme of cleansing from idolatry and sin is also seen in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 36]]. - **Ezekiel 37:24** - "My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and be careful to keep my decrees." - Note: The reference to "David" is a messianic prophecy pointing to Christ, as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. - **Ezekiel 37:25** - "They will live in the land I gave my servant Jacob, the land where their ancestors lived. They and their children and their grandchildren after them will live there forever, generation after generation. And my servant David will be their prince forever." - Note: The eternal covenant and dwelling in the promised land is reminiscent of God's promise in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28]]. - **Ezekiel 37:26** - "And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and increase their numbers, and I will put my Temple among them forever." - Note: The covenant of peace is also echoed in the New Covenant in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 8]]. - **Ezekiel 37:27** - "I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." - Note: This promise of God's presence among His people is seen in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]]. - **Ezekiel 37:28** - "And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the LORD, who makes Israel holy." - Note: The recognition of God by the nations is a theme in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 2]].