Ezekiel 37:1
Ezekiel 37:1 in Multiple Translations
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones.
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
The hand of Jehovah was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of Jehovah, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.
The hand of the Lord had been on me, and he took me out in the spirit of the Lord and put me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones;
The Lord picked me up and carried me away by his Spirit. He set me down in the middle of a valley that was full of bones.
The hand of the Lord was vpon me, and caryed me out in ye spirit of ye Lord, and set me downe in ye mids of the field, which was full of bones.
There hath been upon me a hand of Jehovah, and He taketh me forth in the Spirit of Jehovah, and doth place me in the midst of the valley, and it is full of bones,
The LORD’s hand was on me, and he brought me out in the LORD’s Spirit, and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones.
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and brought me forth in the spirit of the Lord: and set me down in the midst of a plain that was full of bones.
One day Yahweh gave me another vision. In the vision I felt the power [MTY] of God on me, and by his Spirit he took me to the middle of a valley. It was full of bones of people who had been killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 37:1
BAB
Word Study
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Ezekiel 37:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָיְתָ֣ה
עָלַ/י֮
יַד
יְהוָה֒
וַ/יּוֹצִאֵ֤/נִי
בְ/ר֨וּחַ֙
יְהוָ֔ה
וַ/יְנִיחֵ֖/נִי
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
הַ/בִּקְעָ֑ה
וְ/הִ֖יא
מְלֵאָ֥ה
עֲצָמֽוֹת
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עָלַ/י֮
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
יְהוָה֒
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יּוֹצִאֵ֤/נִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְ/ר֨וּחַ֙
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יְנִיחֵ֖/נִי
nûwach
H5117
to rest
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הַ/בִּקְעָ֑ה
biqʻâh
H1237
valley
Art | N-fs
וְ/הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
מְלֵאָ֥ה
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Adj
עֲצָמֽוֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 37:1
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עָלַ/י֮
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יְהוָה֒
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יּוֹצִאֵ֤/נִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בְ/ר֨וּחַ֙
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יְנִיחֵ֖/נִי
nûwach
H5117
"to rest"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַ/בִּקְעָ֑ה
biqʻâh
H1237
"valley"
Art | N-fs
A valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains, and in the Bible, it can also mean a plain or level area, as seen in Ezekiel 3:22-23.
Definition: 1) valley 2) plain, level valley Aramaic equivalent: biq.a (בִּקְעָא "plain" H1236)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: plain, valley. See also: Genesis 11:2; Isaiah 40:4; Psalms 104:8.
וְ/הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְלֵאָ֥ה
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
עֲצָמֽוֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 37:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 37:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:1
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 37:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
- Sermons on Ezekiel 37:1
Context — The Valley of Dry Bones
1The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones.
2He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry. 3Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 3:22 | And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 1:3 | the word of the LORD came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him. |
| 3 | Acts 8:39 | When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 33:22 | Now the evening before the fugitive arrived, the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning. So my mouth was opened and I was no longer mute. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 7:32 | So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth and the Valley of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. For they will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 8:3 | He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes jealousy was seated. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 18:12 | I do not know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you off when I leave you. Then when I go and tell Ahab and he does not find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared the LORD from my youth. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 3:14 | So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. |
| 9 | Luke 4:1 | Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 8:2 | They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. |
Ezekiel 37:1 Summary
This verse tells us that God's power and guidance were with Ezekiel as He brought him to a valley filled with dry bones. The bones represent a place of death and hopelessness, but God is about to show Ezekiel that He can bring life and restoration, just like He promises in Ezekiel 36:26-27. This is a reminder that God is always with us, guiding and empowering us, even in difficult situations (Isaiah 41:10). We can trust that God can bring new life and hope to any area of our lives that feels dry and lifeless, just as He does in Romans 4:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'the hand of the LORD was upon' Ezekiel?
This phrase indicates that God's power and guidance were with Ezekiel, similar to what we see in Ezra 7:6 and Isaiah 41:10, where God's presence and strength are emphasized.
Why did God bring Ezekiel to a valley full of bones?
The valley of dry bones is a symbol of spiritual death and hopelessness, but also of God's power to bring life and restoration, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:39 and Romans 4:17, where God's ability to give life is highlighted.
What is the significance of the Spirit in this verse?
The Spirit of God is the agent of God's power and guidance, as seen in Zechariah 4:6 and John 16:13, where the Spirit's role in empowering and directing believers is emphasized.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?
This verse sets the stage for Ezekiel's message of hope and restoration to Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Ezekiel 37:14, where God promises to give His people a new heart and put His Spirit within them.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'dry bones' in my own life that need God's breath of life?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, be sensitive to the leading of God's Spirit in my daily life?
- What are some areas where I feel hopeless or lifeless, and how can I trust God to bring restoration?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's power to bring life and renewal to seemingly impossible situations?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:1
The hand of the Lord was upon me,.... The Spirit of the Lord, a powerful impulse of his upon the prophet; the Targum interprets it a spirit of prophecy; [See comments on Ezekiel 1:3]: and carried me
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:1
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, Three stages in Israel's revival present themselves
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
EZEKIEL CHAPTER 37 By the resurrection of dry bones the revival of the lost hope of Israel is prefigured, . By the uniting of two sticks is showed the incorporation of Israel with Judah, . Their blessings in union under Christ their king, . The hand; either the prophetic Spirit, as 8:1, moving him to prophesy by this emblem; or else the Spirit of God carrying him visionally, not corporeally, as in Ezekiel 8, into such a prospect or landscape. In the spirit; either in the power of the Spirit of God, or it may refer to the prophet’ s own spirit, he was in his spirit, or mind and apprehension. Set me down; so it seemed to me in the vision, that I was set gently down. In the valley; it is vain to inquire what valley this should be, which was visional, not corporeal or real. Full of bones: it is as vain to inquire whose bones these were, they are visional, and hieroglyphics of Israel’ s present condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones,Ver. 1. The hand of the Lord,] i.e., The force and impulse of the Holy Spirit, fitly called "the hand of the Lord"; because holy men of old spake and acted as they were moved or carried out by the Holy Ghost. In the spirit,] i.e., In a spiritual rapture. And set me down.] Not really, but visionally. In the midst of the valley.] That same valley, some think, where he saw that glorious vision. Prophecies were often received, and prayers are best made, in one and the same place. Which was full of bones.] So it appeared to him in his ecstasy. Manus est impellere; manus est organum agendi. - Theodoret.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
(1) In the midst of the valley.—The word is the same as in Ezekiel 3:22; Ezekiel 8:4, and having the definite article prefixed, is very probably the same plain, now seen in spirit, in which Ezekiel had seen his former visions. Which was full of bones.—It is better, with the Hebrew, to put a stop after “plain” (valley), and then read, this was full of bones. The bones, as the subsequent verses show, were not heaped together, but thickly strewn upon the face of the plain. After the prophet’s mind had so long dwelt upon the desolating campaigns of Nebuchadnezzar, these ghastly reminders of the loss of human life might naturally enter into his thoughts.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
CHAPTER XXXVII This chapter treats of the same subject with the preceding, in a beautiful and significant vision. Under the emblem of the open valley being thickly strewed with very dry bones is represented the hopeless state of the Jews when dispersed throughout the provinces of the Chaldean empire. But God, contrary to every human probability, restores these bones to life, thereby prefiguring the restoration of that people from the Babylonish captivity, and their resettlement in the land of their forefathers, 1-14. The prophet then makes an easy and elegant transition to the blessedness of the people of God under the Gospel dispensation, in the plenitude of its manifestation, when the genuine converts to Christianity, the spiritual Israel, shall be no longer under the domination of heathen and anti-christian rulers, but shall be collected together into one visible kingdom, and constitute but one flock under one Shepherd, 15-28. The vision of the dry bones reviving is considered by some as having a remote view to the general resurrection. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVII Verse 1. The hand of the Lord was upon me] The prophetic influence was communicated. And carried me out in the spirit] Or, And the Lord brought me out in the spirit; that is, a spiritual vision, in which all these things were doubtless transacted. The valley which was full of bones] This vision of the dry bones was designed, first, as an emblem of the then wretched state of the Jews; secondly, of the general resurrection of the body.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:1
1–14. The vision of Israel’s resurrection from the dead The vision seems suggested by the saying current among the people, “our bones are dried, our hope is lost; we are wholly cut off.” This idea and feeling of the people takes form in the vision which the prophet saw in the valley. The language of the people is figurative: they speak of the nationality, which is no more,—it is dead and its bones scattered and dry. And this idea regarding the nationality, figuratively expressed by the people, is embodied to the prophet in a vision. Hence the passage is not a literal prophecy of the resurrection of individual persons of the nation, dead or slain; it is a prophecy of the resurrection of the nation, whose condition is figuratively expressed by the people when they represent its bones as long scattered and dry. Perfect consistency is not maintained by the prophet: in Ezekiel 37:1-2 the dry bones are represented as lying on the face of the valley, very many and very dry; in Ezekiel 37:12 they are represented as buried and brought up out of their graves. Hosea had already used the figure of resurrection for the resuscitation of the nation (Ezekiel 6:2, Ezekiel 13:4); but, though the language used both here and by Hosea shews familiarity with the idea of the raising again of individuals, this is not what is prophesied. In Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12 the actual resurrection of individual members of Israel is predicted, cf. Job 14:13 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 37:1
The valley - The same word as “the plain” Ezekiel 3:22; Ezekiel 8:4. The “dry bones” represented the Israelites dispersed abroad, destitute of life national and spiritual.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1
1-14. This is one of the most marvelous visions of the Old Testament. The companions of Ezekiel were in hopeless despair.
Sermons on Ezekiel 37:1
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K-513 Theology of Exile (2 of 2) by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the significance of understanding God's judgment as a means to grasp His true nature, particularly in the context of the Holocaust and the exile of Israel. He a |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 4. Resurrection of Dry Bones by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker expresses dissatisfaction with their own presentation and emphasizes the need for personal investment in the words of God. They discuss the significance |
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(Hebrews - Part 13): Hear the Word of the Lord by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's Word. He compares it to telling the same story in different ways, like weaving threads to mak |
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Dvd 11 - the Set Time to Favor Zion by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the deep spiritual journey of surrendering all to God, even the best virtues and spirituality that we hold dear, in order to attain a union with God that tr |
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Arab-01 Where's Your Identity by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's revelation and crying out to Him for hope. He refers to a passage in the Bible, specifically Ezekiel 37:1 |
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Samson - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of dying to oneself and surrendering to God's plans. He emphasizes that true success comes from God's triumph and that He will |
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Resurrection of the Dry Bones by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the predicament that Israel is facing and why the news is tightening for them. He explains that God is the au |