Reviving the Dry Bones: A Testimony of New Life
"And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." - Ezekiel 37:14

In the profound words of Ezekiel 37:14, we read the promise of God: "And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." This verse resonates deeply with the human experience of despair and hope. It invites us to reflect not just on the physical revival of the Israelites, but on the spiritual rejuvenation that God offers to each of us today.
Ezekiel’s prophecy unfolds in a dramatic vision of the valley of dry bones. God leads him through this desolate place where countless bones lay scattered, symbolizing the hopeless state of Israel—captured, exiled, and stripped of their identities. In the midst of this bleak scene, God poses a poignant question to Ezekiel: "Son of man, can these bones live?" (Ezekiel 37:3). Here, God tests Ezekiel’s faith and understanding. His response, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest," demonstrates a crucial lesson for us: acknowledgment of God’s power over death, despair, and hopelessness.
In our lives, we often find ourselves in valleys that resemble this vision. We may experience personal loss, spiritual dryness, or moments of feeling utterly disconnected from God. These valleys can feel overwhelming, and we can easily find ourselves doubting whether new life is possible. However, it is here that God’s assurance shines through the darkness. As He instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, He reminds us of His sovereign ability to bring life in the most desolate places. This is a direct invitation to cooperate with Him, to proclaim His truth over our own lives and circumstances.
God’s commitment to revive is unequivocal in this passage. When He promises to "put my spirit in you, and ye shall live," He highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, we can attempt to fulfill our purpose, but true life, the life God desires for us, only comes when we yield to His indwelling presence. This is not simply an invitation to existence; it is a calling to thrive in the fullness of God’s life. This life is not dependent on external circumstances but rooted in His spirit within us.
Further, the phrase "and I shall place you in your own land" underscores God's intention for restoration. For the Israelites, it signified the promise of returning to their homeland, a physical representation of His faithfulness. Spiritually, it can refer to our inward journey toward peace, joy, and belonging in Him. Wherever we feel displaced—emotionally, spiritually, or socially—God desires to place us securely in His land, a land filled with His presence and riches.
The verse concludes with, "then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." Here, God emphasizes the importance of recognition of His works. When He fulfills His promises in our lives, it is an invitation for us to testify of His faithfulness. These moments of remembrance fortify our faith and encourage others who may find themselves in their own valleys of dry bones.
As we meditate on Ezekiel 37:14, let us be reminded that our God is the God of restoration and revival. No situation is too grim for Him to breathe life into. In our prayers, let us invite the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate our spirits, to bring forth fruitfulness from our barrenness, and to rejoice in the assurance that God is both speaking and performing His promises in our lives. Let us walk forward in faith, fully assured that the same voice that commanded the bones to rise can do the same in our hearts today.
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Ezekiel 37:14 Artwork
"And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." - Ezekiel 37:14
Ezekiel 37:14 - "And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD."
"And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." - Ezekiel 37:14
"And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD." - Ezekiel 37:14
Full picture of dry bones Ezekiel 37:1-14
Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Add a cross behind with a white piece of material across it with the wind blowing over the white material on the cross
Ezekiel 37
Ezekiel 37:7
ezekiel 37 dry bones
Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The valley of dry bones.
Ezekiel 37 1-7
Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.
Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.
Ezekiel 37:15 - "¶ The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,"
1 Corinthians 14:37
Ezekiel 37:20 - "¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."
1 Corinthians 14:36-37
Ezekiel 37:27 - "My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Ezekiel 37:17 - "And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand."
Ezekiel 20:37 - "And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:"
in the context of Ezekiel 37, draw a valley full of dry human bones
Exodus 37:14 - "Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table."
in accordance with Ezekiel 37, draw a picture of a valley that is full of dry bones for an far as you can see. Standing in the valley is the prophet Ezekiel standing in wonder.
Ezekiel 37:5 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:"
Ezekiel 37:28 - "And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore."
Job 37:14 - "Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God."
Ezekiel 37:3 - "And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest."
Ezekiel 37:8 - "And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them."
"¶ The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 37:15
Ezekiel 37:2 - "And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry."