Ezekiel 37:10

KJV

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

KJV (with Strong's)

So I prophesied {H5012} as he commanded {H6680} me, and the breath {H7307} came {H935} into them, and they lived {H2421}, and stood up {H5975} upon their feet {H7272}, an exceeding {H3966}{H3966} great {H1419} army {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I prophesied as ordered, and the breath came into them, and they were alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army!

Berean Standard Bible

So I prophesied as He had commanded me, and the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army.

American Standard Version

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 37:10 marks the profound climax of the Valley of Dry Bones vision, where the prophet's obedient declaration of God's word unleashes divine power, causing the reanimated bodies to receive the breath of life, stand upright, and be transformed into an exceedingly great army. This verse powerfully illustrates God's unparalleled ability to resurrect what is dead, restore hope to the desolate, and infuse new life and purpose into a seemingly lifeless situation, culminating in a formidable display of His restorative might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal moment in the dramatic vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, found in [Ezekiel chapter 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones"). In the preceding verses ([Ezekiel 37:1-8](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-8 - The Vision of Dry Bones")), Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to the scattered, dry bones. In response, the bones miraculously come together, sinews, flesh, and skin cover them, but they remain lifeless. [Ezekiel 37:9](/ezekiel/37-9 "Ezekiel 37:9 - Prophecy to the Breath") then introduces God's command for Ezekiel to prophesy to the "breath" (or wind/spirit), setting the stage for the life-giving event described in verse 10. The immediate aftermath of this verse is God's explicit interpretation of the vision, identifying the bones as the whole house of Israel and promising their spiritual and national resurrection from exile ([Ezekiel 37:11-14](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11-14 - Interpretation of the Vision")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of profound national despair for the Israelites. Having witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and forcibly removed from their homeland, the exiles felt utterly cut off from God and their heritage, likening themselves to "dry bones" without hope ([Ezekiel 37:11](/ezekiel/37-11 "Ezekiel 37:11 - Israel's Despair")). Their national identity was shattered, their covenant relationship with God seemed broken, and their future appeared bleak. The vision, therefore, serves as a powerful divine oracle of hope and restoration, directly addressing the deep spiritual and psychological despondency of the exiled community. It reasserts God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to bring about renewal, even in the most desperate circumstances, promising a future return to their land and a spiritual revival.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 37:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating God's absolute control over life and death, and His unique ability to create and restore. The verse also underscores the **Power of God's Word**, as it is through Ezekiel's obedient proclamation of God's command that life is imparted. This highlights the theme of **Obedience to God's Command**, showing that God often chooses to work through human instruments who are faithful to His instructions, no matter how improbable the task. Crucially, the vision's culmination in an "exceeding great army" points to the theme of **National Restoration and Revival** for Israel, signifying not merely individual life but a collective, unified, and purposeful people, spiritually renewed and ready to fulfill God's purposes. Furthermore, the entry of the "breath" (Hebrew _ruach_) emphasizes the **Life-Giving Role of God's Spirit**, a foundational concept for understanding spiritual regeneration and empowerment throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [John 3:5-8](/john/3-5 "John 3:5-8 - Born of Water and the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_ H5012):** This primitive root means "to prophesy," which encompasses speaking or singing by divine inspiration. It implies not merely predicting future events but delivering a message from God, whether in prediction or simple discourse. In this context, Ezekiel's act of prophesying is an act of speaking God's life-giving word directly into a situation of death, demonstrating the active and potent nature of divine communication.
* **Breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_ H7307):** This is a profoundly significant word, carrying multiple layers of meaning: "wind," "breath," and "spirit." Its ambiguity is intentional and rich. In Ezekiel 37:10, it refers to the physical breath that animates the reassembled bodies, but more profoundly, it symbolizes the life-giving Spirit of God. It is the divine _ruach_ that transforms inanimate matter into living beings, signifying spiritual regeneration and the infusion of divine life. This word links the physical act of breathing with the spiritual power of God.
* **Lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_ H2421):** A primitive root meaning "to live," whether literally or figuratively. It also carries the causative sense of "to revive," "to keep alive," or "to restore to life." Here, it signifies the actual animation of the dry bones, moving from a state of death and inertness to genuine, vibrant life. This living is a direct result of the _ruach_ entering them, showcasing God's power to grant existence and vitality.
* **Exceeding great army (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd gâdôwl chayil'_ H3966, H1419, H2428):** This phrase describes the final state of the resurrected bones. _Mᵉʼôd_ (H3966) means "vehemence" or "intensity," often used as an intensive or superlative ("exceedingly," "very"). _Gâdôwl_ (H1419) means "great" in any sense – size, importance, power. _Chayil_ (H2428) signifies "force," whether of men, means, or resources; it can mean "army," "wealth," "virtue," "valor," or "strength." Together, the phrase paints a picture of a vast, powerful, and formidable force, not just alive but robust, unified, and ready for action, far surpassing any natural expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I prophesied as he commanded me":** This opening clause emphasizes Ezekiel's immediate and faithful obedience to God's specific instruction. It highlights that the miraculous outcome is not due to Ezekiel's inherent power but to his willingness to be an instrument of God's word. God's command is the ultimate source of the ensuing life.
* **"and the breath came into them":** This is the direct result of Ezekiel's prophecy. The divine _ruach_ (breath/wind/Spirit) enters the reassembled but lifeless bodies. This signifies the infusion of true life, distinguishing this stage from the earlier re-fleshing, which was merely a physical reconstruction.
* **"and they lived":** The immediate and miraculous consequence of the breath entering them. The bones, once utterly dead, are now fully animated, demonstrating God's power to resurrect and restore life where it was completely absent.
* **"and stood up upon their feet":** This signifies not just life, but vitality, strength, and readiness for action. They are no longer prone and helpless but are active, upright, and prepared for purpose. This posture denotes readiness, stability, and the ability to move forward.
* **"an exceeding great army":** The final, awe-inspiring outcome. The once scattered and lifeless bones are now a unified, numerous, and powerful collective. This "army" represents a restored, formidable, and purposeful community, ready to serve God's will and fulfill His purposes, far beyond what could have been imagined.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 37:10 is rich with **Symbolism**, where the "dry bones" represent the spiritual and national death of Israel, and the "breath" (Hebrew _ruach_) symbolizes the life-giving power of God's Spirit. The transformation into an "exceeding great army" is a powerful symbol of national restoration, unity, and renewed strength. The entire vision functions as an extended **Metaphor** for spiritual and national resurrection, vividly portraying God's ability to bring life from absolute desolation. The phrase "exceeding great army" also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the immense scale and power of God's restorative work, surpassing human comprehension. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on God's **Divine Command** and Ezekiel's **Obedience** highlights the active and creative power inherent in God's spoken word, which brings about miraculous transformation. The narrative structure, moving from lifelessness to reassembly, then to the infusion of life, and finally to purposeful strength, creates a dramatic **Progression** that underscores the complete and comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 37:10 stands as a profound testament to God's unique power as the Creator and Sustainer of life, demonstrating His ability to transcend the boundaries of death and despair. Theologically, it underscores the concept of **resurrection**, both spiritual and physical, as a work solely accomplished by divine intervention, specifically through the agency of His life-giving Spirit. It reveals that no situation is too dire, no condition too lifeless, for God to intervene and bring about a miraculous transformation. This passage affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are in a state of utter hopelessness, providing a powerful message of hope for national restoration and spiritual revival. It also highlights the crucial role of **prophetic utterance** and **human obedience** as conduits for God's transformative power, showing that God often chooses to work through His servants who are willing to speak His truth into seemingly impossible circumstances.

* [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")
* [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the Lord Comes Upon Saul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 37:10 offers immense spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. In a world often marked by despair, brokenness, and spiritual apathy, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's power is not limited by our circumstances or by the apparent "deadness" of a situation. Individually, we may experience seasons of spiritual dryness, feeling like "dry bones" lacking vitality and purpose. This passage calls us to remember that true revival, life, and strength come only from the divine "breath" of God's Spirit. It encourages us to faithfully "prophesy" – to speak God's truth, pray His promises, and obey His commands – even when the task seems overwhelming or the outcome impossible. Corporately, this verse challenges churches and communities to seek God for spiritual awakening, trusting that He can transform complacent or divided congregations into vibrant, unified forces for His kingdom. It instills hope that God can restore broken relationships, heal deep wounds, and bring about miraculous transformation in situations that appear utterly hopeless, reminding us that with God, nothing is impossible, and His word is inherently life-giving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your personal life or in your community do you see "dry bones" that need the life-giving breath of God?**
* **How does Ezekiel's simple obedience to a seemingly absurd command challenge your own willingness to act on God's word?**
* **What specific "prophecies" (declarations of God's truth and promises) might God be calling you to speak into situations of death or despair?**
* **How does the transformation into an "exceeding great army" inspire your understanding of God's purpose for His people today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "breath" (ruach) in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `ruach` (H7307) is profoundly significant because it carries a triple meaning: "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In Ezekiel 37:10, its use is deliberately rich. On one level, it refers to the physical breath that animates the reassembled bodies, bringing them from inert matter to living beings. On a deeper, theological level, it symbolizes the life-giving Spirit of God. It is the divine Spirit that truly resurrects and empowers, transforming the physically reconstructed but spiritually dead bones into a vibrant, active force. This dual meaning highlights that true life, especially spiritual life, is not merely a physical reassembly but an infusion of divine vitality from God's own Spirit. This concept is foundational to understanding spiritual regeneration, as seen in passages like [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Wind and the Spirit").

**How does this vision relate to the New Testament concept of resurrection?**

Answer: While the primary context of Ezekiel 37:10 is the national restoration and spiritual revival of Israel from exile, it serves as a powerful foreshadowing of both spiritual and physical resurrection concepts in the New Testament. The vision demonstrates God's sovereign power over death, a power fully revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Spiritually, the `ruach` bringing life to the dry bones parallels the New Testament teaching that believers are "born again" by the Holy Spirit ([John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and the Spirit")), moving from spiritual death to new life in Christ ([Ephesians 2:5](/ephesians/2-5 "Ephesians 2:5 - Made Alive with Christ")). Physically, the reanimation of the bones points to the future bodily resurrection of believers, which is also accomplished by the power of God's Spirit ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")). Thus, Ezekiel 37:10 provides an Old Testament paradigm for the life-giving, resurrecting power of God, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 37:10 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very source of life and the embodiment of God's resurrecting power. Just as the `ruach` (breath/Spirit) brought life to the dry bones, the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, brings spiritual life to those who are dead in their trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). Jesus Himself declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). His own resurrection from the dead is the supreme demonstration of God's power over death, validating the promise of new life for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). The "exceeding great army" of Ezekiel's vision, representing a restored and purposeful Israel, finds its spiritual counterpart in the Church, the body of Christ, composed of believers from every nation who have been given new life by the Spirit and are united in Christ as a spiritual house and a royal priesthood, called to advance God's kingdom ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House")). Through Christ, the promise of a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")) is realized, transforming individuals from spiritual death to vibrant, purposeful life in Him, ready to serve as His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 11:11

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Psalms 104:30

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:5

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.