The Valley of Dry Bones

By Dr. Ron Jones

The most compelling picture of Israel’s future national restoration is a prophecy envisioned by Ezekiel about a valley of dry bones coming to life (37:1-14). This vision came to Ezekiel after the prophecy concerning the New Covenant in chapter 36. The rebirth of Israel seemed as impossible as a valley of unburied skeletons coming to life. But God was up to something good, and Ezekiel was about to learn there was no limit to His creative power.

God transported Ezekiel by a vision to a valley full of dry bones. Then, He instructed the prophet to speak to the bones. Ezekiel told the bones to “hear the word of the Lord” and that God would “cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” The Lord would also dress the bones with sinew and skin. Finally, the bones would stand to their feet like a great army.

Like dry bones, Israel was a dead nation, and the glory of God had departed. Was there any hope for her? “Can these bones live?” The answer was a resounding yes. God had a plan for Israel’s future and still does. The Israelites living in the Holy Land today is not necessarily the fulfillment of this prophecy, although it is a start. This prophecy ultimately points to a time at the end of the age when God will gather believing Jews to their homeland, and Jesus Christ will return to establish His Millennial Kingdom.

In the meantime, does your life feel like a valley of dry bones? Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:1-15). By faith in Jesus Christ, your dry bones can and must come to life. Or, as a born-again believer in Jesus, does it feel as though God’s presence has departed you? Was there a time when you enjoyed a greater intimacy with the Almighty than you do now?

By her continual disobedience, Israel grieved the Lord so much that His glory left the Temple. As New Testament believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, who will never leave us (1 Corinthians 6:19). However, we too can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Our sin does not make Him depart, but it does break our sweet fellowship with God (1 John 1:9). If that describes you, do this: Hear the word of the Lord (Romans 10:17), confess your sin to God and repent, and then listen for the sound of your rattling bones.

This blog is an excerpt from Ron's book The Ultimate Road Trip Through the Bible: Volume 1, Old Testament. Order your copy of the 2-volume set here.

 

Comments

Patrick Michael Coogan says:
Thank you for your e-devotions. I was encouraged, knowing that, like dry bones, those we think are impossible to come to Christ, can.

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