Pentecost · The Day of Pentecost · Year B
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Valley of Dry Bones
May 16, 2027
Overview & Insights
“O my people, I will open your graves… and I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live.” (Ezekiel 37:12-14)
The sixth oracle in this section of Ezekiel, the vision of the dry bones, is arguably the most famous and influential passage in this book. As one of the passages from Ezekiel used in the Common Lectionary, it is read during Lent in Year A, and every year in the Paschal Vigil. The use of this passage in the great vigil leading up to Easter underlines the influence of verses 1–14 on Jewish and Christian theology. For while in its context this passage is a symbolic representation of the restoration and reunification of Israel, later readings of Ezekiel’s vision find here the primary image for life after death in Judaism and Christianity: that is, the resurrection of the body. Like the wheels in Ezekiel’s vision of God’s chariot throne in chapters 1–3, the odd and powerful imagery of this passage captured the imagination of African slaves in America.
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Commentary
Commentary on Ezekiel 37:1-14 Working Preacher
The Lutheran lectionary voice on the valley of dry bones.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed reading of the breath of God raising the bones.
Ezekiel 37 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse study of the valley of dry bones.
Ezekiel 37:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on the vision of the dry bones.
Ezekiel 37 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed study notes and cross references on the chapter.
Barnes' Notes: Ezekiel 37 StudyLight
A historic verse by verse commentary on the passage.
Background & Word Study
Ezekiel - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary overview of the book of Ezekiel.
Book of Ezekiel Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the first part of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 37 (Hebrew and English) Sefaria
The Hebrew text of the dry bones vision with classic Jewish commentary.
Ezekiel 37:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew word by word of the hand of the LORD upon Ezekiel.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the Valley of Dry Bones?
The prophet preaches to a valley of dry bones, and by the breath of God they come together, rise, and live, a vision of resurrection and of Israel restored.
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