Ezekiel 37 – “Can These Bones Live?”
“When all looks lost, He speaks life.”
Ezekiel 37 opens with a gripping vision—God places Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones, an image that captures the spiritual lifelessness and utter desolation of Israel in exile. These bones symbolize death that has long since settled in—dry, scattered, and beyond human repair. But this is not a vision of finality; it’s a revelation of restoration. The Lord instructs Ezekiel to prophesy not just to bones, but later to the wind, calling forth life. As Ezekiel speaks the word of the Lord, the bones rattle together, flesh covers them, and finally breath enters them. This is more than just physical resurrection—it represents spiritual revival and national restoration. The Lord is showing that Israel’s exile is not her end.
The second half of the chapter continues the theme of unification and renewal. Ezekiel is told to join two sticks—Judah and Joseph—as a symbol of a future unified Israel. God promises to cleanse His people from idolatry and establish one Shepherd over them: a future Davidic King, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. A new covenant is foretold—one of peace, permanence, prosperity, and God's presence. He will dwell among His people, and they will belong wholly to Him. It is a vision not only for ancient Israel but for all who are in Christ today.
Personalized Journal Entry: The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I bring life where there was once only the silence of decay. You were once dead in your trespasses, dry bones scattered in a valley of despair, without breath or direction. But I called you by name and breathed into you My very life. The word went forth, and what seemed impossible became your reality—not by might, not by power, but by Me.
When you heard the Word and believed, your spirit was knit to Mine. Just as the bones came together and rose to their feet as a vast army, so I raised you up, seated you in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I did not restore you halfway; I brought fullness—flesh, breath, and purpose. You no longer walk as a scattered soul, but as one who carries My presence.
Where there was division, I brought unity. Just as the two sticks became one in Ezekiel’s hand, so I have made you one with Me, one with My Body, and one in Spirit with all who are Mine. My Son—the Son of David—now reigns over your heart. He is your Shepherd-King, and in Him you are kept secure.
I made a covenant with you, not written on stone but etched upon your heart. It is a covenant of peace, eternal and unshakable. You are My dwelling place. I walk among you. I dwell within you. You are no longer a desolate exile—you are My sanctuary.
Now walk in the life I have given you, not as one trying to survive but as one already made alive, sustained moment by moment by My breath.
Ezekiel 37:1–14; Romans 8:11; Ephesians 2:1–7; John 11:25–26; Hebrews 8:10–12; Colossians 1:27
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that my life is not measured by what I see with human eyes. What once seemed lifeless, You have made alive. I no longer live as if abandoned or divided—I am Yours, unified in Christ and filled with Your Spirit. I trust the breath You have placed in me. I rest in the covenant of peace You've made with me. You do not visit me occasionally; You dwell within me permanently. May I walk in full confidence, knowing I am no longer dust and bone, but a living temple filled with Your presence and purpose. Amen.
Devotional Credit:
Insights summarized and adapted from the Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan, 2021)
Photo Credit:
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