Ezekiel 37:11

Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, 'Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.'

Study Bible

Then He said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the message. In Hebrew, the word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but a declaration or command. This underscores the authority and divine origin of the message Ezekiel is about to receive. It is a reminder of the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, where God reveals His plans and purposes.

Son of man
This title, "בֶּן אָדָם" (ben adam) in Hebrew, is used frequently in Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of mankind. It serves to remind Ezekiel of his earthly nature and the humility required in his prophetic office. The term also foreshadows the New Testament use of "Son of Man" for Jesus, linking the prophetic mission of Ezekiel to the ultimate mission of Christ.

these bones
The "bones" symbolize the people of Israel in their state of exile and despair. In Hebrew, "עֲצָמוֹת" (atzamot) refers to bones, often used metaphorically to represent strength or the essence of life. Here, the bones are dry, indicating a complete loss of vitality and hope. This imagery is powerful, as bones are the last remnants of a body, suggesting that Israel feels utterly abandoned and lifeless.

are the whole house of Israel
This phrase identifies the bones as representing the entire nation of Israel, both the northern and southern kingdoms. The "whole house" signifies unity and completeness, despite the physical and spiritual fragmentation experienced by the Israelites. Historically, this reflects the period of the Babylonian exile when the Israelites were scattered and their national identity was in jeopardy.

Look, they are saying
The command to "look" or "behold" (in Hebrew, "הִנֵּה" - hinneh) is an invitation to pay attention and understand the gravity of the situation. It emphasizes the reality of Israel's despair, as the people themselves articulate their hopelessness. This phrase captures the collective voice of a nation in distress, expressing their perceived abandonment by God.

Our bones are dried up
This expression of desolation reflects the Israelites' perception of their spiritual and national death. The dryness of the bones signifies a lack of life and hope, a metaphor for their current state in exile. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dry bones were seen as a symbol of death and defeat, reinforcing the depth of Israel's despair.

and our hope has perished
Hope, or "תִּקְוָה" (tikvah) in Hebrew, is a central theme in the Bible, often associated with trust in God's promises. The declaration that hope has perished indicates a profound sense of loss and abandonment. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' belief that their covenant relationship with God had been severed due to their disobedience and the resulting exile.

we are cut off
The phrase "cut off" (in Hebrew, "נִגְזַרְנוּ" - nigzarnoo) conveys a sense of separation and isolation. It suggests that the Israelites feel severed from their land, their God, and their identity as His chosen people. This reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites were physically removed from their homeland and spiritually estranged from their covenant with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of both judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. The House of Israel
Refers to the collective people of Israel, who are in a state of despair and feel abandoned by God during their exile.

3. The Valley of Dry Bones
A vision given to Ezekiel symbolizing the spiritual and national restoration of Israel.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, leading to a sense of hopelessness and disconnection from God.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who communicates with Ezekiel, offering a message of hope and restoration to His people.

Teaching Points

Understanding Despair
Recognize that feelings of hopelessness can occur even among God’s people, but they are not the end of the account.

God’s Sovereignty
Trust in God’s ultimate plan and His ability to bring life and restoration to seemingly hopeless situations.

The Power of Prophecy
Appreciate the role of prophecy in providing hope and direction, both in biblical times and today.

Spiritual Renewal
Seek personal and communal spiritual renewal, understanding that God can breathe new life into our dry bones.

Hope in Exile
Even in times of exile or separation from God, maintain hope in His promises and His power to restore.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37:11 relate to the current state of your spiritual life or community?

2. In what ways can you apply the message of hope and restoration from Ezekiel 37:11 to a situation you are facing today?

3. How do the feelings of the Israelites in Ezekiel 37:11 compare to the emotions expressed in Isaiah 49:14-16, and what can we learn from this?

4. What role does prophecy play in your understanding of God’s plans for the future, as seen in Ezekiel 37 and other prophetic scriptures?

5. How can the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 37:11 inspire you to trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about change in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 49:14-16
This passage addresses the feelings of abandonment by God, similar to the despair expressed by the Israelites in Ezekiel 37:11.

Jeremiah 29:11
Offers a promise of hope and a future, countering the hopelessness felt by the Israelites.

Romans 11:25-26
Discusses the eventual restoration of Israel, connecting to the theme of hope and renewal in Ezekiel 37.

Psalm 130:7
Encourages hope in the Lord, reinforcing the message that God’s love and redemption are always available.

Revelation 21:4
Speaks of a future where God will restore all things, echoing the promise of renewal in Ezekiel 37.