Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: The vision of the dry bones is found in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 37:1-14. This passage is one of the most vivid and well-known prophetic visions in the Old Testament. Context and Background: Ezekiel was a prophet during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Israelites were taken captive and removed from their homeland. This was a time of great despair and hopelessness for the people of Israel, as they were cut off from their land, their temple, and their identity as a nation. The vision of the dry bones is given to Ezekiel as a message of hope and restoration for the people of Israel. The Vision: In the vision, Ezekiel is brought by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley full of dry bones. The bones are described as being very dry, indicating that they have been there for a long time and are devoid of life. The Lord 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, telling them to hear the word of the Lord. 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. God then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, and as he does so, breath enters the bodies, and they come to life, standing on their feet as a vast army. Interpretation and Significance: The vision of the dry bones is a powerful symbol of resurrection and restoration. It represents the hope that God will restore the nation of Israel, bringing them back to their land and reviving them as a people. The dry bones symbolize the spiritual and national death of Israel, while the breath of life signifies the Spirit of God bringing renewal and revival. In Ezekiel 37:11-14, God explains the vision to Ezekiel, saying, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O My people, I will open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, My people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’" . Theological Themes: 1. Resurrection and New Life: The vision underscores the power of God to bring life from death, a theme that resonates with the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. 2. Restoration and Hope: The passage offers hope to those in despair, assuring them that God has the power to restore and renew, even in the most hopeless situations. 3. The Role of the Spirit: The breath entering the bodies symbolizes the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of the Spirit for true life and vitality. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. 4. God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness: The vision reaffirms God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His promises. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant and purposes for His people. Application for Believers: The vision of the dry bones serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring life and hope to seemingly dead and hopeless situations. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for renewal and transformation in their lives. Topical Bible Verses Ezekiel 37:1-28The 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, Topicalbible.org Ezekiel 37:1-14 Library The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life Preaching to the Dry Bones. Ezek 37 Ezekiel's vision of the Dry Bones Quoted. The Temple which Christ Says He Will Raise up is the Church. How ... The Holy Spirit and the one Church The Waterpots at Cana The Necessity of the Spirit's Work Index to Preachers and Sermons Come from the Four Winds, O Breath! The Morning Light Resources What is the significance of the Negev in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDid the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.org Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Dry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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