The vision of the dry bones is found in Ezekiel 37:1–14 and is one of the most powerful prophetic revelations in Scripture concerning restoration, resurrection, and the hope of national revival for Israel.
Ezekiel was carried in the Spirit of the Lord to a valley full of very dry bones. God asked him, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel answered, “O Lord God, You know” (Ezekiel 37:3). Then God commanded him to prophesy to the bones: “O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” (verse 4). As he obeyed, there was a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. Sinews and flesh came upon them, and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
God then told Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, saying, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live” (verse 9). When he did, breath entered them, and they stood up on their feet, an exceedingly great army.
God explained the vision: “These bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’” (verse 11). God promised to open their graves, bring them back to their land, and put His Spirit in them so they would live (verses 12–14).
This vision represents Israel’s national restoration. The bones symbolize their scattered and spiritually dead condition, particularly during the Babylonian exile. The breath signifies the Spirit of God bringing new life and revival. The prophecy points to a future resurrection and the reuniting of Israel under God’s covenant.
It also has application to spiritual renewal. Just as God revived the dry bones, He can bring life to those who are spiritually dead. It assures believers of God’s power to restore what seems beyond hope and to fulfill His promises with life-giving power.
