Ezekiel 37

Chapter Summary

Ezekiel 37 begins with a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the hopeless and lifeless state of Israel in exile. Through Ezekiel's prophetic voice, God commands the bones to come together, be covered with sinew and skin, and receive the breath of life. As the bones transform into a vast army, the chapter shifts to a prophecy about the reunification of Israel and Judah under one king, with God as their Shepherd. The chapter concludes with a covenant promise, sealed with the sign of the joining of two sticks, representing the unity of God's people. Key verses like Ezekiel 37:14 and Ezekiel 37:24 highlight God's role in this restoration and the establishment of His people in the land, under the leadership of David their prince.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 37 is situated within the broader context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry to the exiles in Babylon. The chapter follows a series of judgments against Israel's enemies and serves as a message of hope and restoration for Israel. It is part of a larger narrative that spans the Old Testament, pointing forward to the New Testament fulfillment of God's covenant promises in Jesus Christ. The chapter's themes of restoration, unity, and new life are integral to the biblical story of salvation, connecting with other scriptures such as Isaiah 11:1-10 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power to revive and restore, even in the most desolate of circumstances. It reminds us of the importance of unity among God's people and the role of the Holy Spirit in giving new life and guiding us. As we reflect on Ezekiel 37, we are called to seek a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and to look forward with hope to the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 37 is a chapter about God's promise to bring Israel back to life, like dry bones coming together and being covered with flesh. This is a symbol of how God can take something that seems completely dead and make it alive again. The chapter also talks about how God will make Israel and Judah into one nation again, under one king. For believers, this story reminds us that God can give us new life and make us part of His family, as seen in verses like Ezekiel 37:14.

Voices from the Church

“The dry bones are a striking emblem of the sinner, dead in trespasses and sins, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the Word, they are made to live.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“This prophecy is a remarkable demonstration of the providence of God, who, even when His church seems to be reduced to nothing, can suddenly revive it and make it flourish.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Vision of the Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14) — The chapter opens with Ezekiel's vision of a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the lifeless state of Israel. Through a series of commands, the bones come together, are covered with sinew and skin, and receive the breath of life, illustrating God's power to revive and restore.
2. The Interpretation of the Vision (Ezekiel 37:11-14) — Ezekiel is told that the dry bones represent the whole house of Israel, who say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is lost; we are cut off.' The vision is a message of hope, promising that God will open their graves and bring them back to the land of Israel.
3. The Reunification of Israel and Judah (Ezekiel 37:15-22) — The chapter shifts to a prophecy about the reunification of Israel and Judah, symbolized by the joining of two sticks. God promises to make them one nation, with one king, and to cleanse them from all their idols and uncleanness.
4. The Davidic Covenant (Ezekiel 37:24-28) — The prophecy concludes with the promise of a Davidic king who will rule over them, and God will be their God, and they will be His people. This points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the descendant of David and the King of kings.
5. The Establishment of God's People (Ezekiel 37:25-28) — The chapter ends with the promise that God's people will dwell in the land, and God will make a covenant of peace with them, which will be an everlasting covenant. This covenant is sealed with the promise that God will be their God, and they will be His people, forever.

Core Doctrines

Regeneration

The giving of life to the dry bones illustrates the doctrine of regeneration, where the Holy Spirit gives new life to those who are dead in sin, as taught in Ezekiel 37:5-6 and paralleled in John 3:6.

Unity of the Church

The prophecy of the reunification of Israel and Judah under one king points to the ultimate unity of believers in Christ, who is the Head of the church, as seen in Ephesians 4:4-6 and foreshadowed in Ezekiel 37:22.

Covenant Theology

Ezekiel 37 emphasizes God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of understanding the biblical covenants and their relationship to salvation history.

Eschatology

The chapter's themes of restoration and the establishment of God's people in the land have eschatological implications, pointing to the future hope of believers and the ultimate triumph of God over all nations, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4.

Lessons from Ezekiel 37

1. Hope in Despair — The chapter teaches us to hold onto hope, even in the most desperate circumstances, trusting in God's power to revive and restore. This is exemplified in Ezekiel 37:11-14, where the dry bones, symbolizing Israel's hopelessness, are brought back to life.
2. Unity in Diversity — The prophecy of Israel and Judah's reunification under one king emphasizes the importance of unity among God's people, despite their differences, pointing to the ultimate unity found in Christ. This is seen in Ezekiel 37:22 and has implications for the church's pursuit of unity today.
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit — The transformation of the dry bones highlights the Holy Spirit's role in giving new life and guiding believers, underscoring the need to seek a deeper experience of the Spirit's work in our lives. This is illustrated in Ezekiel 37:5-6 and John 3:6.
4. Covenant Promises — Ezekiel 37 reminds us of the significance of God's covenant promises, which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness. The Davidic covenant, in particular, is highlighted in Ezekiel 37:24-25, pointing to Christ as the ultimate descendant of David.
5. Eschatological Hope — The chapter's themes of restoration and the establishment of God's people in the land point to the future hope of believers, encouraging us to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over all nations, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4 and foreshadowed in Ezekiel 37:25-28.

Themes from Ezekiel 37

1. Restoration — The chapter's central theme of restoration, both of Israel to their land and of the dry bones to life, emphasizes God's power to revive and renew. This is seen in Ezekiel 37:1-14 and has implications for our understanding of God's work in salvation.
2. Unity — The prophecy of the reunification of Israel and Judah under one king highlights the importance of unity among God's people, pointing to the ultimate unity found in Christ. This is emphasized in Ezekiel 37:22 and has relevance for the church's pursuit of unity today.
3. New Life — The giving of life to the dry bones symbolizes the new life offered through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. This is illustrated in Ezekiel 37:5-6 and John 3:6.
4. Covenant — The chapter emphasizes God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of understanding the biblical covenants. This is seen in Ezekiel 37:24-25 and has implications for our understanding of salvation history.
5. Hope — Ezekiel 37 offers a message of hope to God's people, promising restoration, unity, and new life, encouraging believers to trust in God's faithfulness and look forward to the future. This is emphasized throughout the chapter, particularly in Ezekiel 37:11-14 and Ezekiel 37:25-28.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the vision of the dry bones teach us about God's power to revive and restore, and how can we apply this to our personal lives and the life of the church?
2. How does the prophecy of the reunification of Israel and Judah under one king relate to the New Testament teaching on the unity of the church in Christ?
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the transformation of the dry bones, and how does this illustrate the Spirit's work in giving new life to believers?
4. In what ways does the Davidic covenant, as mentioned in Ezekiel 37, find its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's covenant promises?
5. How does the promise of God's people dwelling in the land, with God as their God, relate to the broader biblical theme of the kingdom of God, and what does this mean for believers today?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 37

	Sermon	Description
	K-513 Theology of Exile (2 of 2) by Art Katz	Art Katz emphasizes the significance of understanding God's judgment as a means to grasp His true nature, particularly in the context of the Holocaust and the exile of Israel. He a
	(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 4. Resurrection of Dry Bones by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker expresses dissatisfaction with their own presentation and emphasizes the need for personal investment in the words of God. They discuss the significance
	(Hebrews - Part 13): Hear the Word of the Lord by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's Word. He compares it to telling the same story in different ways, like weaving threads to mak
	The Valley of Dry Bones by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, Pastor Dave Wilkerson speaks about the importance of taking action to bring spiritual life to a city filled with spiritually dead people. He references the story of
	Attaining to Sonship by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a profound new beginning in one's relationship with God. He highlights the example of Israel, who sought to establish a state th
	Contrast of Faith by Peter Marshall	Peter Marshall contrasts two maritime disasters to illustrate the evolution of faith in society. He reflects on the survivors of the Athenia, who sang lighthearted songs in the fac
	(John - Part 21): The Impotent Man at the Pool of Bethesda by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in taking a leap and daring to believe in Christ. He tells the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years an
	Five Spiritual Vows by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Despite his long-standing discouragement, the man had to make a decision to obey and
	Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a former Marxist who showed him kindness and patience. The speaker was intrigued by the person's constant mention
	Dvd 11 - the Set Time to Favor Zion by Art Katz	This sermon delves into the deep spiritual journey of surrendering all to God, even the best virtues and spirituality that we hold dear, in order to attain a union with God that tr

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 37

Ezekiel 37 is a chapter of great comfort and encouragement to the people of God, promising them a glorious restoration from their present state of death and bondage. The vision of the dry bones, which are brought to life by the power of God, is a striking emblem of the sinner's state by nature, and the change that is wrought in him by the grace of God. The prophecy of the reunification of Israel and Judah under one king points to the ultimate unity of believers in Christ, and the covenant promises made to them are fulfilled in Him. The chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and faithfulness, and to look forward with hope to the future, when God will dwell among His people and be their God, as seen in Ezekiel 37:27-28 and fulfilled in the New Testament. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

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