HOPE TO THE HOPELESS: The Valley Of Dry Bones

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. Ezekiel 37:1 ESV

The valley of dry bones was a vision revealed by God to Ezekiel in the Old Testament regarding Israel. But as Christians what are we to do with this historical account? Should we see a difficult situation in our lives as dry bones? 

I think, the New Testament writers gave us an overarching principle for our use of the Old Testament (Romans 15:4).

“The instruction imparted by the Scriptures not only sustains believers under their present trials but also informs and inspires their hope for the future”. Geoffrey B Wilson

HOPELESSNESS 

And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. Ezekiel 37:2 ESV

Prior to this vision, a bleak message came from Jerusalem about the destruction of the city (Ezekiel 33:21). The hope of any immediate return from exile was dashed by the bad news. Furthermore, it confirmed the deceits of the false prophets (Ezekiel 13:1-16). Therefore, the nation of Israel was in a state of spiritual deadness in the valley of Babylon. 

The consequences for rebellion against God in the Mosaic Covenant leads to curses (Deuteronomy 28:49-50). Therefore, Israel in Babylon was God’s judgment on them for their disobedience towards Him (Ezekiel 36:18-19). In addition, Ezekiel was part of the second deportation to Babylon (2 Kings 24:14).

However, in the midst of national humiliation Ezekiel was commissioned by God to be a Prophet (Ezekiel 2:1-10). This vision from God revealed a vivid imagery of the nation condition.

Sadly, the very dry bones implied that they were dead a long time. The situation was difficult and impossible. But God asked Ezekiel a critical question.

RESTORATION 

And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.” Ezekiel 37:3 ESV

Ezekiel’s response shows that it is only God that has the power. Despite, Israel disobedience and God’s discipline on them, His unfailing love rests on them for His own glory (Ezekiel 36:16-23). The vision of dry bones was a message of hope and restoration towards a rebellious people.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall. Ezekiel 37:4 ESV

It’s obvious that such impossible situation cannot be resolved. But power and life is with God. Ezekiel who had received God’s word in his mouth and granted the unique authority spoke what God commanded him (Ezekiel 3:1-2).

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Ezekiel 37:7-8 ESV

Amazingly, at the word of God through Ezekiel, the very dry bones received skin and flesh. From a state of shame to dignity and life. Interestingly, the two stage restoration of the dry bones hints at the creation of Adam (Genesis 2:7). 

The wind was a symbol of God’s Spirit giving life to the bodies. Man was given flesh and bones then breadth to have life. Finally, there was hope for the despondent nation to restoration and resurrection (Ezekiel 37:9-11).

RESURRECTION 

Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. Ezekiel 37:9b-10 &12 ESV

The scene of this disaster shows a battlefield of many slain soldiers to a restored great army. Israel was massacred by their enemies and the promise was for them to return to their homeland (Ezekiel 37:9-10).

However, the scene changes from a battlefield to a cemetery of dry bones. Amazingly, the dead were raised to life. Hence, Ezekiel introduces a rare concept of resurrection to the exiled in Babylon (1 Kings 17:20-24). 

From a state of hopelessness to restoration and life (Ezekiel 37:9-12). God’s Word was fulfilled at the physical return from exile under king Cyrus in 539 BC (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:4-11, 6:4-5).

However, Israel’s restoration was a preparation for the greater promise of resurrection. Importantly, Ezekiel foresees the blessings of the New Covenant of regeneration and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit on believers (Ezekiel 36:26-27, 37:14). 

Hence, there restoration transcends the physical and therefore requires the spiritual. Ultimately, God’s grace abounds for His own glory (Ezekiel 36:22-25).

So, as I mentioned earlier, should we see our difficult situations as dry bones? Absolutely Not. As we have discovered that the physical aspect of the vision was fulfilled in 539 BC. So also, there was a future spiritual aspect to the vision.

Amazingly, it was fulfilled in Christ and inaugurated on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Therefore as New Covenant believers the future hope of Ezekiel is our present reality (Ezekiel 37:14).

The question is, how does it apply to New Testament believers? Firstly, it’s a reality of God’s saving power and the gift of His Spirit in us (Ephesians 1:13-14). Secondly, we hope of a future resurrection and inheritance (Hebrews 9:15, Colossians 3:24, Romans 8:30, Ephesians 1:11).

The vision that we need to see is the Glory of Christ (John 1:14). We should pray that God may open the eyes of our hearts to behold the Glory of Christ ( Ephesians 1:18-20, Psalm 119:18). He restores and resurrects from death to life. The author and founder of the New Covenant makes it a reality and blessing for Christians.

Ezekiel had a vision of resurrection but Jesus displayed God’s resurrection power in raising Lazarus from the grave (John 11:1-44). Ezekiel spoke God’s word to see the dry bones live. But Christ demonstrated that He is the Word who gives life to the dead ( Romans 4:19, 1 Peter 1:3-5).In Christ the dead are raised from spiritual death to life and on the last day we will be raised to eternal glory.