Ezekiel and the Vision of the Dry Bones

Visionary Context

• Main Biblical Reference: Ezekiel 37:1–14
• Prophet / Author: Ezekiel
• Historical Setting: The Babylonian exile (6th century BC). Judah has been conquered, Jerusalem and the temple are associated with devastation (cf. Ezek. 33), and the exiles feel cut off from national and spiritual life.
• Mode of Revelation: A prophetic vision—Ezekiel is carried by “the Spirit of the LORD” and shown a symbolic scene (Ezek. 37:1).

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The Visionary Account

The Initial Setting:
Ezekiel is brought into a valley filled with bones. He is led back and forth among them, noticing their vast number and their extreme dryness—signaling long-standing death and complete helplessness.

The Central Images:

• A valley scattered with very dry bones
• God’s question: “Can these bones live?” and Ezekiel’s humble reply
• The command to prophesy over the bones
• The bones coming together, then sinews and flesh forming, then skin covering them
• A second command to prophesy to the breath/wind/spirit, and breath entering the bodies
• The bodies rising as an exceedingly great army

(These images are reported first as Ezekiel sees them, before the meaning is explained in the passage.)

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Symbolism Breakdown

Interpret symbols primarily through Scripture itself: Ezekiel 37 provides the controlling interpretation (Ezek. 37:11–14), limiting speculative readings.

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The Divine Message

God’s message is primarily a promise of restoration for a despairing people under judgment:

• God can reverse what looks irreversible. Israel’s situation appears as death—bones “very dry”—yet God’s word and Spirit are sufficient to bring life (Ezek. 37:3–6).
• Restoration is covenantal and purposeful. God promises to open graves, bring His people back to their land, and place His Spirit within them so they will truly live as His people (Ezek. 37:12–14).
• The original audience—exiles tempted to believe their story is over—would have heard reassurance that God has not abandoned His covenant. Their return and renewal depend not on political strength but on God’s initiative.

Fulfillment perspective (balanced and text-centered):

• Near/primary fulfillment: The passage itself points to national restoration from exile and renewed life as God’s people (Ezek. 37:12–14).
• Typological/layered significance: Many Christians have also seen in this vision a broader pattern: God’s power to give life where there is death, culminating in the hope of resurrection life grounded in God’s Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11). The text, however, directly interprets the bones as Israel’s corporate condition and restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Insight

In the Ancient Near Eastern world, proper burial mattered deeply, and unburied bones could symbolize shame, defeat, and the end of a people’s future. A valley strewn with bones evokes the aftermath of catastrophic loss—an image fitting the exile, when Israel’s national identity and hopes appeared annihilated. Ezekiel’s vision confronts that cultural finality by portraying God as the One who can undo “death” on a national scale.

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Key Memory Verse

"Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel." — Ezekiel 37:12

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. In Ezekiel’s vision, where is he brought by the Spirit of the LORD?

A.A valley filled with bonesB.A mountain covered in snowC.A city marketplaceD.A riverbank lined with trees

2. According to God’s explanation in the vision, what do the dry bones represent?

A.The animals of the wildernessB.The whole house of IsraelC.The armies of BabylonD.The priests serving in the temple