Ezekiel 37–39
Common Theme
God restores life to what is dead, both physically and spiritually, and sovereignly defeats the enemies of His people. These chapters declare God’s power to resurrect, regather, and protect Israel in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Questions
- Where in your life do you need God to breathe new life into what feels dead?
- How does trusting in God’s sovereignty change how you respond to present threats or future fears?
God Shot
God is the sovereign Lord who breathes life into dry bones and restores a scattered people to Himself. He is a warrior King who defends His people for the sake of His holy name, making Himself known to all nations through His acts of resurrection and judgment.
Deeper✝
Ezekiel 37
In the Valley of Dry Bones, the LORD brings the prophet Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones and asks if they can live. Ezekiel responds that only God knows. The LORD instructs him to prophesy to the bones, promising to bring them to life by putting breath in them. As Ezekiel prophesies, the bones come together, forming a body, but initially lack breath. The LORD then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, which enters the bodies, bringing them to life as a great army.
The bones symbolize the house of Israel, who feel hopeless and cut off. The LORD promises to open their graves, restore them, and bring them back to their land, instilling His Spirit within them. Additionally, the LORD instructs Ezekiel to take two sticks, representing Judah and Joseph, and join them into one, symbolizing the unification of Israel. The LORD vows to gather His people from the nations, cleanse them, and establish them as one nation under one king, David. He promises an everlasting covenant of peace, His sanctuary among them, and that they will be His people, affirming His presence and sanctification.
Ezekiel 38
The passage presents a prophecy against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, as conveyed by the Lord. It describes Gog’s impending attack on Israel, a land that has been restored and is now secure after a period of desolation. Gog is warned that he will gather a vast army, including allies from various nations, and will devise an evil plan to invade Israel, targeting its unwalled villages and peaceful inhabitants. The prophecy emphasizes that this invasion will occur in the latter days, and it will serve to demonstrate God’s holiness and power to the nations. On the day of Gog’s attack, God’s wrath will be provoked, resulting in a great earthquake and chaos across the land. The prophecy concludes with a declaration of divine judgment against Gog and his forces, including pestilence and destructive elements, ultimately revealing God’s greatness and making His presence known to many nations.
Ezekiel 39
In this passage, the Lord God commands the prophet to prophesy against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, declaring His opposition to him. God promises to lead Gog from the north against the mountains of Israel, where Gog and his forces will be defeated. Their bodies will be left for birds and beasts to consume, and fire will be sent upon Magog and its secure dwellers, revealing God’s sovereignty. The people of Israel will burn the weapons of their enemies for seven years, using them as fuel. Gog will be buried in the Valley of Hamon-gog, and the Israelites will cleanse the land by burying the dead over seven months. God invites birds and beasts to a sacrificial feast, where they will consume the flesh and blood of the mighty. The nations will witness God’s judgment, and Israel will recognize Him as their God, understanding their past captivity was due to their iniquities. God promises to restore Israel, showing mercy and gathering them from exile, ensuring they will dwell securely without fear. He will no longer hide His face from them and will pour out His Spirit upon the house of Israel.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.