Ezekiel 37:4-10 – God wants us to live vibrantly for Him

In Ezekiel 37, the valley of dead dry bones is Israel. Both Israel and Judah were left desolate, and their people were scattered by the Assyrians and the Babylonians respectively.  Nationally, Israel was the valley of dead and dry bones of Ezekiel’s vision.

Who could bring dead and dry bones to life again but God alone? God whose name and reputation were attached to the nation by covenant was not about to let his name be defamed. He then set out to restore His reputation by restoring the nation.  

Though Israel had become the valley of dead and dry bone God told Ezekiel to prophesy and speak life to her again. Restoration could only begin when attention is given to the word of the Lord. So, in verse 4, Ezekiel was instructed to command the nation of dead and dry bones to hear and pay attention to the Lord’s word.

God promised to bring restoration as they hear His word. Verses 7-10 then picture the nation coming back to life as Ezekiel prophesied over them.  This suggests that as they paid attention to His word, God did His work. A rattling sound was heard as the scattered bones came together with flesh returned. God then breathed life into the restored bodies. Dead Israel became a nation again and became a mighty army.  

Here are the takeaways: God wants to bring about renewal in our lives. It will take place when give attention to His word. No matter how dry our spiritual condition may be, a word from Him will revive and restore our spiritual ineptitude.