Ezekiel 37:4

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

Again he said {H559} unto me, Prophesy {H5012} upon these bones {H6106}, and say {H559} unto them, O ye dry {H3002} bones {H6106}, hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Then he said to me, "Prophesy over these bones! Say to them, 'Dry bones! Hear what ADONAI has to say!

And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!

Again he said unto me, Prophesy over these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of Jehovah.

Ezekiel 37:4 is a pivotal verse in the dramatic vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, a profound message of hope and restoration delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during a time of immense despair for the people of Israel.

Context

This verse comes from the beginning of the vision recorded in Ezekiel chapter 37. Ezekiel, a prophet exiled to Babylon, is transported by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with very dry bones, representing the utterly hopeless state of the house of Israel. The people felt their national identity and spiritual vitality were lost, akin to scattered, lifeless bones. God's command to Ezekiel in verse 4 marks the beginning of a miraculous demonstration of divine power and promise for a future restoration, both national and spiritual, for the exiled nation feeling utterly cut off from hope after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Key Themes

  • The Power of God's Word: The central message is that life, even from the most desolate circumstances, springs forth directly from God's spoken word. Ezekiel is commanded not just to observe, but to actively "prophesy upon these bones," speaking God's decree directly to them. This highlights the creative and transformative power inherent in God's voice, capable of performing the impossible. As Isaiah 55:11 states, God's word never returns void.
  • Divine Restoration and Spiritual Rebirth: The "dry bones" symbolize the spiritual and national death of Israel in exile. God's command to speak life into them signifies His intention to restore their nation, gather them from dispersion, and breathe new spiritual life into them. This vision is a powerful promise of future hope and revitalization, pointing to both a physical return and a spiritual awakening. This concept of new life from God is echoed in the New Testament, such as in discussions of being born again by the Spirit.
  • Prophetic Obedience: Ezekiel's role is crucial. He doesn't question the impossibility but obeys the divine instruction to "prophesy" and "say unto them." This demonstrates the prophet's faithful submission to God's will, even when the task seems absurd to human understanding.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "prophesy" (נָבָא, nava') means to speak for God, to declare His message. It's not merely foretelling the future but forth-telling the divine will and word. In this context, it is a direct, authoritative declaration of God's creative power.
  • The phrase "dry bones" (עֲצָמוֹת יְבֵשׁוֹת, 'atzamot y'veshot) emphasizes the utter lack of life, moisture, or possibility of natural revival. The descriptor "very dry" (from verse 2) underscores the extreme state of decay, making the subsequent miracle all the more astounding.
  • "Hear the word of the LORD" implies an active, responsive capacity, even in inanimate objects when commanded by God. It underscores the sovereignty and authority of God's voice over all creation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 37:4 offers immense encouragement for anyone facing seemingly hopeless situations, whether individually or collectively. It reminds us that:

  • No situation is beyond God's power: Just as God brought life to dry bones, He can bring revival and renewal to any "dead" area of our lives, our communities, or our spiritual walk.
  • God's Word is transformative: Actively listening to and proclaiming God's Word has the power to bring about change, even in the most barren circumstances. It calls us to trust in the efficacy of scripture.
  • Faithful obedience is key: Like Ezekiel, we are called to speak God's truth and act on His commands, even when the outcome seems impossible or illogical from a human perspective.

This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ability to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, through the sheer power of His divine word.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 5:25

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

  • John 5:28

    Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

  • John 5:29

    And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

  • Matthew 21:21

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

  • Ezekiel 36:1

    ¶ Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

  • Jeremiah 22:29

    O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

  • Isaiah 26:19

    Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

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