Ezekiel 37:1-14 - Valley of Dry Bones

Summary

In an extended allegory, Ezekiel is called to prophesy to a valley of dry bones.

Analysis

Clothed in flesh and given breath, the bones come back to life. One of the most famous of Ezekiel's visions and allegories, the valley of dry bones is an allegory of the resurrection of Israel from "death" by God. God promises to bring the exiles back to Israel. There is also an explicit reference to bodily resurrection from the dead (37:12), for the Lord has power even over death.