InstaStudy

The Valley of Dry Bones: A Study in Restoration

A study of Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones.

1. The Desolate State

1.1 The Vision of the Valley

Verses: Ezekiel 37:1-2
  • Ezekiel is carried by the Spirit to a valley full of dry bones.
  • The bones are described as 'very dry,' signifying a state of complete lifelessness and decay.

1.2 The Question of Life

Verses: Ezekiel 37:3
  • God asks Ezekiel if these bones can live, testing his faith.
  • Ezekiel responds with humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty over life and death.

2. The Process of Restoration

2.1 The Prophecy and the Gathering

Verses: Ezekiel 37:4-8
  • Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to the bones, declaring God's promise of restoration.
  • As he prophesies, the bones come together, sinews attach, flesh grows, and skin covers them.

2.2 The Absence of Breath

Verses: Ezekiel 37:8
  • The bodies are formed, but there is no breath in them.
  • This signifies that physical restoration is not enough; spiritual life is also necessary.

3. The Breath of the Spirit

3.1 The Breath of Life

Verses: Ezekiel 37:9-10
  • Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to the wind (or breath), calling it to breathe life into the slain.
  • The breath enters the bodies, and they stand to their feet, an exceedingly great army.

3.2 The Significance of the Breath

Verses: John 6:63; Acts 2:4
  • The breath represents the Spirit of God, which brings spiritual life and power.
  • The army represents the restored people of God, empowered by the Spirit.

4. The Promise of Resurrection

4.1 The Interpretation of the Vision

Verses: Ezekiel 37:11-14
  • God explains that the bones represent the whole house of Israel, feeling cut off and without hope.
  • God promises to open their graves, bring them back to the land of Israel, and put His Spirit in them.

4.2 The Promise of Restoration

Verses: Romans 11:26; Acts 3:19-21
  • This prophecy speaks of both a physical and spiritual restoration of Israel.
  • It also has implications for the spiritual restoration of individuals and the church.

5. Application

5.1 Lessons for Today

Verses: Romans 4:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • The vision teaches us that even in the most hopeless situations, God can bring life and restoration.
  • It emphasizes the importance of faith, prophecy, and the power of the Spirit in bringing about transformation.

5.2 Our Response

Verses: Mark 11:23-24; Ephesians 5:18
  • We must speak forth the Word of God in faith, trusting that He will perform His promises.
  • We must seek the infilling of the Spirit, which empowers us to live a life of victory and purpose.