The principal application of Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones is the promise of Israel's restoration as a nation, and return to the Promised Land. If you look for spiritual meaning in the verse, there is a foreshadowing of the resurrection of the righteous of the righteous at the Second Coming of Christ. Also, the salvation of an individual soul can be seen in the transformation of that which was spiritually dead but is now alive!
The first section is, "Can These Bones Live?" vv.1-3 In this portion of the lesson, Ezekiel is confronted with a vision of the dry bones and whether they could live again. The bones were lifeless, separated from each other, and scattered over the valley. The Israeli people had been severed from their homeland, the temple, and their former way of life. Their existence as a nation was over. In the midst of this depressing situation, God transports Ezekiel in a vision. The bones were very dry and obviously lifeless with no marrow. After a review of the situation, God asks Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?" In considering who had asked him the question, instead of the obvious answer, Ezekiel says, "O Lord God, thou knowest." Ezekiel made the decision to trust and leave the issue in God's hands. We must not limit God in our thinking, we must acknowledge that He can do wonders, even in impossible situations.
The second section is, "Prophesy to These Bones." vv. 4-8 Ezekiel is directed to declare God's word to the dry bones, and speak to them as if they were alive. God has a word for His people, a promise of what He will do. "Jehovah possesses the power to accomplish whatever He promises to His people." (Keil & Delitzsch) God's promise was, "ye hall live." God's purpose was, "ye shall know." Ezekiel obeyed the word of the Lord and "prophesied as he (I) was commanded." After the word spoken, "Bones came together, bone to his bone." However, the breath was missing. They had the appearance of being alive, but they were not. Sometimes when sinners hear the gospel, they make some changes, but the inward transformation has not occurred. As good as the outside changes are, that it not being spiritually alive. It is the Lord who gives life to the soul which is dead in trespasses and sins.
The third section is "Prophesy to the Wind." vv. 9, 10 Ezekiel is directed to declare God's word "unto the wind." The Hebrew word for "wind" can be translated as "breath." In verses 5, 6, 9, and 10, the "breath" is what God uses to give life to the lifeless. Verse 14 states, I "shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live." It is God's Spirit that changes a life. Anything else is mere formal religion which saves no one. It was God's design that the Spirit would "breathe upon these slain that they may live." As Ezekiel proclaimed God's word, "breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet." It was God's Spirit that caused spiritual life to commence.
The fourth section is "Prophesy to My People." vv. 11-14 The people of Israel had lost hope. They had a very negative analysis of their situation. "Our bones are dried." "Our hope is lost." "We are cut off." Yet, God still referred to them as "my people." God had a word for them in the midst of their failure. God is a very present help in time of need. We are not to despair, regardless of what things look like. God will "bring you into the land of Israel." When God has done the impossible for you, "ye shall know that I am the LORD." God would put His Spirit within them, making them a spiritual and obedient people. They would dwell in a permanent residence of peace and security. What God had promised, He will do. He has promised us the Spirit's infilling. He has promised us victory over death. We have good cause to face the struggles of today with confidence in the end result. God will never go back on His word.
The Golden Text is, "I will put a new spirit within you." (Ezekiel 11:19) This is God's work. It is His gift. A wonderful change occurs when it happens. Through the grace of God, He will give people a new heart, with a new Spirit, and change will happen. No one is the same after the Spirit of the living God indwells them. Praise His name for His wonderful gift!
Next week's lesson: "Life-giving River." (Ezekiel 47: 5-12)
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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