Ezekiel 37:6 – “I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, God explains the process by which He will bring the dry bones back to life. First, He describes the physical restoration: tendons, flesh, and skin will cover the bones. Then, He promises to breathe life into them, completing the work of revival. This vision isn’t just about physical resurrection—it’s a symbol of spiritual renewal for the people of Israel.
The ultimate goal of this restoration is revealed in the final phrase: “Then you will know that I am the Lord.” This work of revival is meant to demonstrate God’s power, faithfulness, and sovereignty to His people. It’s not just about restoring life but about restoring their relationship with Him.
Historical Context
During the Babylonian exile, Israel felt completely cut off from God. Their nation was destroyed, their people were scattered, and their faith was deeply shaken. The dry bones symbolized their despair and sense of abandonment.
God’s promise to restore the bones with tendons, flesh, and breath was a powerful image of His ability to bring Israel back to life as a nation. It reassured the exiles that their situation was not beyond God’s power to redeem and that He had a plan to restore them, both physically and spiritually.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes God’s power to restore what is broken and lifeless. It reminds us that both physical life and spiritual renewal come from God alone. The detailed process described in the verse also shows that God’s work of restoration is deliberate and complete—He doesn’t leave anything unfinished.
The mention of breath highlights the role of the Spirit of God in giving life. Just as God breathed life into Adam in Genesis 2:7, He breathes new life into His people, showing that He is the source of all life, both physical and spiritual.
Literary Analysis
The imagery in this verse is vivid and sequential, painting a step-by-step picture of the restoration process. Words like “attach tendons,” “make flesh come upon you,” and “cover you with skin” evoke a sense of careful craftsmanship, as if God is lovingly rebuilding what was destroyed.
The phrase “Then you will know that I am the Lord” serves as the climax, tying the physical restoration to its ultimate purpose: the revelation of God’s glory and faithfulness.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 2:7: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” This parallels God’s act of creating life from nothing.
- Psalm 104:30: “When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.” This verse highlights the life-giving power of God’s Spirit.
- John 6:63: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” Jesus emphasizes the role of God’s Spirit in bringing true life.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This reflects God’s ability to completely renew and restore.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Ezekiel 37:6 is a powerful reminder that God can bring restoration and renewal to even the most hopeless situations. Whether it’s a broken relationship, a struggling faith, or a deep sense of despair, God’s Spirit has the power to rebuild and breathe new life.
This verse also reminds us that God’s ultimate purpose is not just to fix our problems but to draw us closer to Him. His work in our lives is meant to help us know Him more deeply and trust in His faithfulness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s attention to detail in this verse reflects His deep love and care for His people. He doesn’t just restore the bones; He rebuilds them completely and breathes life into them, showing His desire for a full and total restoration.
His promise to bring life to the dry bones demonstrates His compassion for His people in their despair. It’s a reminder that God’s love doesn’t abandon us in our brokenness but works to bring healing and renewal.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Ezekiel 37:6 points to Jesus as the one who brings ultimate life and restoration. Just as God breathed life into the dry bones, Jesus offers spiritual life to those who are dead in sin. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus also embodies the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His people. Through His death and resurrection, He provides a way for us to be made new, spiritually alive through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life that feel lifeless or broken? How can you invite God’s Spirit to bring restoration?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s ability to fully rebuild and renew?
- What does it mean to you that God’s work of restoration is complete, leaving nothing undone?
- How has God used a time of brokenness in your life to draw you closer to Him?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of Jesus’ role in bringing spiritual life and renewal?