The Valley of Dry Bones Restoration and Revival

Posted on 23 August 2014

The Valley of Dry Bones Restoration and Revival

Ezekiel 37

In Ezekiel chapter 37, the prophet is given a vision by God. He finds himself in a
desolate valley filled with dry bones. The bones are a representation of the state of the
exiled Israelites—lifeless, scattered, and without hope. It paints a picture of complete
devastation and despair.
As Ezekiel walks among the bones, God asks him a thought-provoking question:
“Son of man, can these bones live?” God’s question challenges Ezekiel’s faith and prompts
him to recognize the immense power and sovereignty of God. It is a reminder that God alone
has the ability to bring life to the dead and to restore what seems beyond repair.
In response to God’s command, Ezekiel prophesies to the bones. He speaks the
word of the Lord with confidence and conviction, declaring that the bones will come alive.
Through his obedience, Ezekiel demonstrates his faith in God’s ability to bring about
transformation and restoration.
As Ezekiel speaks, a remarkable transformation takes place. The bones begin to
rattle and move, aligning bone to bone. They come together, forming complete skeletons. It
is a powerful and symbolic image of the regathering and reconstitution of the exiled
Israelites. God’s divine power is at work, reversing the effects of death and bringing life to
what was once lifeless.
However, the vision does not stop there. In verse 9, God commands Ezekiel to
prophesy to the breath, the ruach in Hebrew, which represents the Spirit of God. As Ezekiel
obeys, the breath enters the bodies, and they come to life. The once lifeless bones now
stand as a vast army, fully restored and filled with the breath of God’s life-giving Spirit.
This vision holds significant meaning for the exiled Israelites. It represents the
promise of restoration and renewal. It symbolizes the resurrection of the nation of Israel,
both physically and spiritually. God assures them that even in their seemingly hopeless
state, He has the power to bring them back to life, to gather them from the nations, and to
restore them to their land.
Beyond its immediate context, the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones carries timeless
and universal lessons. It teaches us about the transformative power of God to bring life
where there is death, hope where there is despair, and restoration where there is
brokenness. It reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s ability to redeem and revive.
As we encounter challenges, setbacks, and times of spiritual dryness in our own
lives, the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones serves as a source of encouragement and hope.
It reminds us to turn to God, to trust in His power and faithfulness, and to speak His word of
life into the lifeless areas of our existence. Just as God breathed life into the dry bones, He
can breathe new life into our circumstances, relationships, and even our souls.
Continuing from the previous breakdown, in verse 11, God explains the significance of the
vision to Ezekiel. The bones represent the whole house of Israel, who feel abandoned and
without hope. They believe their situation is hopeless, saying, “Our bones are dried up, and
our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.”

But God assures them in verse 12 that He will open their graves and bring them back
to the land of Israel. He promises to put His Spirit within them, and they will live once again.
They will know that He, the Lord, has spoken and fulfilled His promises.
In verses 13-14, God declares His plan to bring His people back to the land of Israel.
He will open their graves and bring them out of their tombs. He will lead them back to the
land He promised to their ancestors, the land of Israel. This restoration will demonstrate
God’s power and faithfulness, and the people will know that He is the Lord.
This vision of the Valley of Dry Bones serves as a powerful message of hope and
restoration for the exiled Israelites. It assures them that even though they feel cut off and
hopeless, God has not abandoned them. He has the power to breathe new life into their
situation, to gather them back to their land, and to revive their spirits.
Beyond its immediate context, this vision carries universal lessons for us today. It
reminds us that God specializes in bringing life to the lifeless, hope to the hopeless, and
restoration to the broken. It encourages us to trust in God’s power to revive and renew every
aspect of our lives, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The vision also emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual lives. It is
the Spirit of God that breathes life into us and empowers us to live according to God’s will.
Just as the Spirit breathed life into the dry bones, the Spirit can breathe new life into our
hearts, transforming us and enabling us to walk in obedience to God’s commands.
Furthermore, this vision teaches us about the faithfulness and sovereignty of God.
Despite the Israelites’ disobedience and exile, God remained committed to His covenant
promises. He had a plan for their restoration, and He would fulfill it in His perfect timing. It
serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises and His plans will come to pass.
Continuing from the previous breakdown, in this chapter, God instructs Ezekiel to
take two sticks, one representing the southern kingdom of Judah and the other representing
the northern kingdom of Israel, which was known as Joseph. These two sticks symbolize the
divided and scattered state of the nation of Israel.
God tells Ezekiel to bring the two sticks together, signifying the reunification of the
divided kingdom. Through this action, God communicates His intention to restore unity
among His people. The divisions and animosity that existed between the northern and
southern kingdoms will be resolved, and they will once again be united as one nation.
God declares that He will take these two sticks and make them one in His hand. This
act of unification represents His power to bring together what was once separated and
fragmented. It is a visual representation of His intention to restore the nation of Israel to its
wholeness and unity.
Furthermore, God reveals His plan to gather the scattered people of Israel from
among the nations and bring them back to the land of Israel. They will be reunited under one
king, described as David, who will be a shepherd to the people, guiding and leading them in

righteousness. This reference to David symbolizes a righteous and just ruler who will govern
the nation with wisdom and care.
God promises to make an everlasting covenant of peace with His people. This
covenant will ensure their security and prosperity, both spiritually and physically. The people
of Israel will dwell in the land given to their ancestors, experiencing the blessings and
presence of God in their midst.
The establishment of this covenant of peace signifies the restoration of the
relationship between God and His people. It signifies reconciliation, forgiveness, and the
renewal of the covenant that God made with Israel. Through this covenant, God ensures that
His sanctuary will be in their midst forever, signifying His abiding presence and blessings.
As a result of God’s restoration and reunification of Israel, the nations will recognize
and acknowledge that God is the one who sanctifies Israel. The restored nation of Israel will
serve as a testimony to the faithfulness and power of God among the nations.
This chapter of Ezekiel, particularly the latter portion, conveys a message of hope,
restoration, and reconciliation. It portrays God’s plan to gather and reunite His scattered
people, bringing unity and peace among them. The reunification of Israel symbolizes God’s
faithfulness to His covenant promises and His power to restore and bless His people.
This vision of restoration and unity serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering love
and His ability to heal and reconcile what was once broken. It offers hope not only to the
exiled Israelites but to all who have experienced division and brokenness. It points to the
ultimate restoration and reconciliation found in Christ, who unites all believers and brings
peace to those who trust in Him.
APPLICATION:
● The power of God’s Word: The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones demonstrates the
transformative power of God’s Word. As Ezekiel prophesied to the bones, speaking
the word of the Lord, they came to life. This emphasizes the importance and
effectiveness of speaking God’s Word into dead and hopeless situations in our own
lives. God’s Word has the power to bring life, restoration, and transformation.
● The role of faith and obedience: Ezekiel’s faith and obedience were essential in this
vision. He had to trust in God’s power to bring life to the lifeless bones and obediently
speak God’s words. This teaches us the importance of faith and obedience in
partnering with God’s restorative work. When we trust in God’s power and obediently
align ourselves with His will, we position ourselves to experience His transformative
work in our lives.
● The work of the Holy Spirit: The vision highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in
bringing about spiritual restoration. The breath, or ruach, of God symbolizes the Holy
Spirit, who gives life and empowers believers. It reminds us of the essential role of
the Holy Spirit in our spiritual renewal, enabling us to live according to God’s will and
experience His presence and power in our lives.

● The promise of resurrection: The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones foreshadows the
promise of resurrection and eternal life in Christ. The bones coming to life and
standing as a vast army prefigures the ultimate victory over death through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the hope we have in the
resurrection and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
● God’s faithfulness in restoring what is broken: The entire chapter emphasizes God’s
faithfulness in restoring what is broken and bringing life to what is dead. It reveals His
unwavering commitment to His people, even in times of exile and despair. This
reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may appear, God is faithful to
restore, heal, and bring new life.
In conclusion, Ezekiel chapter 37 offers profound insights into the power of God’s Word, the
importance of faith and obedience, the work of the Holy Spirit, the promise of resurrection,
and God’s unwavering faithfulness in restoring what is broken. These insights encourage us
to trust in God’s transformative power, to partner with the Holy Spirit in our spiritual renewal,
and to hold onto the hope of resurrection and restoration in Christ.