Easter · The Second Sunday of Easter (Quasimodo Geniti)
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Valley of Dry Bones
April 12, 2026
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) Working Preacher
Lutheran commentary on the valley of dry bones, the RCL text also read at Pentecost and the Easter Vigil.
Ezekiel 37 Commentary: Life to Dry Bones and Unity to God's People Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the vision of resurrection and national restoration.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Center for Excellence in Preaching) Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on breath, spirit, and hope restored to a dead people.
Ezekiel 37 Commentary (Precept Austin) Precept Austin
In-depth study notes with cross references and word helps for the dry-bones vision.
Ezekiel 37:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered verse by verse on the valley of bones.
Background & Word Study
Ezekiel 37 (Sefaria) Sefaria
Hebrew text with JPS translation and Jewish commentary, where ruach means breath, wind, and spirit.
Ezekiel 37:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text with parsing and Strong's numbers for the vision's opening.
Book of Ezekiel Overview Video (Part 1) BibleProject
Animated overview of Ezekiel's structure, visions, and oracles.
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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