God can breathe new life into any hopeless circumstance.
The prophet Ezekiel, who served during the sixth century BC (approximately 593-571 BC), testifies to a moment of miraculous revival when he says, “So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.” (v.10) In this remarkable vision, Ezekiel obeys the Lord’s call to speak life into dry bones, symbolizing the seemingly hopeless state of the people of Israel. The dramatic portrayal of these bones rising and forming an army reflects the overarching message of resurrection and restoration. This passage illustrates how God can bring renewal and strength out of what appears lost or lifeless (see also John 11:25).
The act of prophecy here emphasizes the power of God’s word to give life. Ezekiel’s obedience—he “prophesied as He commanded” (v.10)—demonstrates that when believers faithfully proclaim God’s truth, even spiritually dead or desperate circumstances can be revived. In its historical context, Israel was exiled and longed for a return to their homeland, but God promised that they would be restored as a people. Through Ezekiel, God reassures His people that His breath, or Spirit, can deliver them from exile and restore them to fellowship and wholeness (see also Romans 8:11).
The “exceedingly great army” (v.10) stands as a vivid symbol of transformation. Once dried up and scattered, these bones are brought together as a unified force, foreshadowing how God ultimately gathers His people and strengthens them. In the New Testament, Jesus likewise speaks of the power of God’s Spirit to renew and give eternal life (John 5:28-29), linking the vision Ezekiel shares to the future promise for all who respond to the divine call. What at first appears final—like a valley of desiccated bones—reveals God’s ability to resurrect, restore, and give hope in the most desperate situations.
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Ezekiel 37:10 meaning
The prophet Ezekiel, who served during the sixth century BC (approximately 593-571 BC), testifies to a moment of miraculous revival when he says, “So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.” (v.10) In this remarkable vision, Ezekiel obeys the Lord’s call to speak life into dry bones, symbolizing the seemingly hopeless state of the people of Israel. The dramatic portrayal of these bones rising and forming an army reflects the overarching message of resurrection and restoration. This passage illustrates how God can bring renewal and strength out of what appears lost or lifeless (see also John 11:25).
The act of prophecy here emphasizes the power of God’s word to give life. Ezekiel’s obedience—he “prophesied as He commanded” (v.10)—demonstrates that when believers faithfully proclaim God’s truth, even spiritually dead or desperate circumstances can be revived. In its historical context, Israel was exiled and longed for a return to their homeland, but God promised that they would be restored as a people. Through Ezekiel, God reassures His people that His breath, or Spirit, can deliver them from exile and restore them to fellowship and wholeness (see also Romans 8:11).
The “exceedingly great army” (v.10) stands as a vivid symbol of transformation. Once dried up and scattered, these bones are brought together as a unified force, foreshadowing how God ultimately gathers His people and strengthens them. In the New Testament, Jesus likewise speaks of the power of God’s Spirit to renew and give eternal life (John 5:28-29), linking the vision Ezekiel shares to the future promise for all who respond to the divine call. What at first appears final—like a valley of desiccated bones—reveals God’s ability to resurrect, restore, and give hope in the most desperate situations.