Ezekiel 37:1-14 and the valley of the dry bones is one of the most intriguing scriptures in the Bible. It is assumed that this is a reference to the nation of Israel being restored but could there be other meanings that can be drawn. In verse 9 the prophet is called to speak to the breath and call the four winds to breathe life into the dead bones. Who is the breath and the four winds and do they have any special meaning to us today? Write an article that gives the background to the text and its meaning and any implications for us.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 is a well-known and intriguing scripture in the Bible. It speaks of a vision that was given to the prophet Ezekiel, in which he was taken to a valley full of dry bones. The Lord asked him whether these bones could come to life, and Ezekiel responded that only the Lord knew. The Lord then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he did, they began to come together and be covered with flesh. Finally, the Lord breathed life into them, and they stood up as a great army.
This passage is often seen as a metaphor for the restoration of Israel as a nation. The bones represent the scattered and defeated Israelites, who will one day be restored and brought back to life as a nation. This interpretation is supported by the fact that in verse 11, the Lord explicitly says that the bones represent the whole house of Israel.
However, there may be other meanings that can be drawn from this passage as well. One interpretation is that the valley of dry bones represents any situation that seems hopeless and lifeless. It could be a personal struggle, a societal issue, or a spiritual crisis. In these situations, the Lord is calling us to prophesy, to speak life and hope into the situation. This interpretation emphasizes the power of our words and the importance of faith and trust in the Lord.
In verse 9, the Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath and call the four winds to breathe life into the dead bones. The breath and the four winds are often seen as representing the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God is often associated with breath and wind. In Genesis 2:7, for example, God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living being. In John 3:8, Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Spirit is like the wind, blowing wherever it pleases.
So, the breath and the four winds in Ezekiel 37:9 could be seen as symbolic of the Holy Spirit, who brings life and renewal to the dead and dry places in our lives. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation and restoration.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 is a powerful and multi-layered scripture that speaks to us on many levels. While it does refer to the restoration of Israel as a nation, it also speaks to the power of our words, the importance of faith and trust in the Lord, and the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about transformation and renewal.
As we face our own personal valleys of dry bones, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord is with us, calling us to prophesy and trust in Him to bring about new life and hope.
Intentional Faith 