Wednesday, March 5 – Ezekiel 36, 37

1. What does the LORD do with the dry bones? (Ezekiel 37:4-6)

2. What do the two joined sticks in the prophecy represent? (Ezekiel 37:22)

3. Where will the LORD dwell when His Kingdom is restored? (Ezekiel 37:26,27)

Regarding Ezekiel 36, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states:

“Ezekiel’s theme now changes from one of judgment upon Israel and the surrounding nations to one of encouragement for his fellow countrymen. Ever since Israel fell, the enemies had had their high day of taunt and jubilation. Such a condition was not to continue. Even though Israel had been humiliated and was now being punished for her rebellion, God still recognized the Jews as His people. The apparent triumph of the enemies of God’s people would be momentary. Though cast down and helpless, Israel would be raised up, more glorious than ever.” SDABC, Ezekiel 36:1

The following promise addresses the heart of the cause of the destruction of both kingdoms of Israel and their captivity. The reason for this disaster was the wickedness of the Israelites’ hearts; they had embraced all kinds of idolatry and corrupt and evil practices, imitating the surrounding nations. By acting this way, they had broken the covenant with God that had made them His people. However, the LORD promised to carry out a work of restoration, not because of their merits but because of His faithfulness to the promise made to their ancestors and for the honor of His name among the nations. This work of restoration would begin in the heart.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” —Ezekiel 36:26-27

Complete salvation comes from the LORD. All His children must do is look to Him in faith. Then, He gives them a new heart, places His Spirit within them, and enables them to walk in His statutes, keep His judgments, and follow them.

Then, the covenant will be restored: “Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses.” —Ezekiel 36:28-29
The LORD forgives us, saves us, and keeps us from our impurities! This is His completed work in His children.

In chapter 37, Israel appears as a vast multitude of dry bones scattered in a valley. This represents their condition after the invasions and wars. From a human perspective, they are dead and beyond hope. Restoring them to life requires a supernatural miracle only the LORD can do. The purpose of the vision is to show what God desires to do for His people. He plans to restore what has been destroyed and scattered across the earth. He intends to bring the dry bones back to life.

This passage contains a prophecy for the end times. It speaks of the resurrection of the dead and the establishment of the LORD’s Kingdom on earth.

The following prophecy refers to the New Earth and is illustrated with two sticks. It foretells the reunification of Israel and Judah under the reign of the Messiah. Ezekiel was instructed to take two sticks—one representing Judah and the other representing Israel—and join them together in his hand.

The LORD’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David ultimately find their fulfillment in His church at the end of time. This promise is consistently found throughout the prophetic writings.

Beyond the difficult times, God’s people can look forward to the future with hope and confidence. The time is coming soon when the dry bones live, the LORD will put a new heart in His people, His tabernacle will be among us, and we will walk in His statutes and commandments forever. Let us not lose heart, let us wait in faith for that glorious day.

May God keep and abundantly bless you today.