MPV Commentary

The Vision of Dry Bones Revivified, Symbolizing Israel's Restoration

This vision presents three stages in Israel's revival: (1) the new awakening of the people and the resurrection of the dead (Eze 37:1-14), (2) the reunion of formerly hostile members of the community (Eze 37:15-28), and (3) the community restored, strong enough to withstand external threats (Eze 38:1-39:29).

The prophet is carried in the Spirit to a valley, likely near the Chebar River (Eze 3:22). This valley represents Mesopotamia, where Israel was in a state of national deadness. The vision begins with dry bones, bleached by long exposure to the atmosphere.

God asks Ezekiel if these bones can live, implying that humanly speaking, they cannot. However, faith leaves the question of possibility to God, who is all-powerful (De 32:39). This image reflects Christian faith's trust in the coming general resurrection of the dead, despite appearances to the contrary (Joh 5:21; Ro 4:17; 2Co 1:9).

Ezekiel is instructed to prophesy to these bones, proclaiming God's quickening word. The divine word has inherent power to effect its end, and prophets are said to do what they prophesy as if it were already done (Jer 1:10). Ezekiel is told that he will cause breath to enter the bones, symbolizing Israel's restoration (Isa 26:19).

The people will know that God is the Lord by experiencing His divinity firsthand in reviving Israel. The noise of the bones coming together may refer to the decree of Cyrus or the Jews' exultation at their deliverance and return.

Initially, the bones are merely cohering as unsightly skeletons. However, they are then covered with sinews, skin, and flesh, giving them beauty but still lacking life. This may imply that Israel will return to Judea unconverted at first (Zec 13:8-9). Spiritually, a person can assume the semblance of spiritual life without actually possessing it.

God summons the spirit of life from the four winds, implying that Israel is to be gathered from all corners of the earth (Isa 43:5-6; Jer 31:8). This gathering will honor God's word, even in the mouth of a human prophet. The resurrection of the dead is indirectly proven by this vision, as it takes for granted the future fact of Israel's restoration.

The people lament that their bones are dried and their hope is lost (Ps 141:7; Isa 49:14). However, God regards them as His people, ensuring their covenant relation to Him guarantees their ultimate resurrection. Christ makes a similar principle the ground on which the literal resurrection rests.

God calls Israel "My people" when receiving them into favor but addresses Ezekiel as if He would put them away from Him (Eze 13:17; 33:2). The people are exhorted to come out of their graves, symbolizing their restoration from Babylon and all lands. This is a reference to the Jews' understanding that their lands of captivity were their "graves" (Ro 11:15).

The union of Judah and Israel under one king, Messiah-David, is prophesied. The stick of Joseph, representing Ephraim's rule among the ten tribes, will be withdrawn from him and united with Judah's rule in God's hand.

A future complete fulfillment of this prophecy must be looked for, as the union at the restoration from Babylon only included a few Israelites. The "stick of Joseph" refers to the ten tribes who were subject to Ephraim's rule. They will be joined to Judah under one king, Messiah, symbolizing the union of Jews and Gentiles under Him.

God promises to remove His people from their idolatrous dwelling-places and dwell with them in their own land, free from idols. The covenant of peace is an unchangeable covenant of grace (Eze 34:25; Isa 55:3; Jer 32:40).

The sanctuary will be established among God's people, both spiritually in the heart of all true followers of Messiah and literally in the restored Israel. God promises to dwell with them as He did with Noah after the flood (Ge 9:27). The tabernacle will be set up among His people, sanctifying them as holy unto Himself (Ex 19:5-6).