Title: Proclaim life
Contents
I. Vision of the Valley 37:1-14
(1) The vision of the resurrection from death to life is recorded in the text.
1) This is undoubtedly the most vivid description of the triple resurrection.
① The soul that was dead because of sin is resurrected to the life of righteousness, that is, the holy and spiritual life in heaven, through the power of God's grace along with the voice of Christ (John 5:24,25).
② The church, which is in a state of suffering and persecution, will be resurrected to a state of freedom and peace.
③ On the last day, the body will be resurrected. In particular, it means that the bodies of the saints will be resurrected to eternal life.
2) If we examine this vision in detail, we can see that it has the following meanings.
② A method was given so that these scattered bones could be put together, and the dead and parched bones could come to life. Ezekiel is instructed to 'prophesy and say' to these bones and breath (verses 4, 9). According to this instruction, he 'prophesied by command' (vv. 7, 10). He had to proclaim and he did. Then the dead bones were brought to life by the power of the Word of God that he proclaimed. He also had to pray and he did. Then the dead bones came to life as an answer to that prayer. Because 'the breath of life entered them'. See the efficacy and necessity of the Word and prayer to raise the dead. The bones are still dead and still dry because we sometimes cry in vain. Therefore, we must earnestly cry out for the Holy Spirit to work in those words. Come, breath of life, from the four winds, and blow on these slain, that they may live (verse 9). God's grace can save souls without our cry, but our cry cannot save them without God's grace. That is why we must ask for that grace in prayer.
(2) It is stated that this vision applies to the Jews in their present wretched state in captivity. These bones are the whole house of Israel (verse 11). It refers to both the ten tribes of Israel and the two tribes of Judah. They are now in deep despair (v. 11). Sometimes, when suffering continues for a long time, hopes are destroyed. But positive faith in God's power, covenant, and providence will keep them from dying. "Now that the situation has come to such an extreme, 'prophesy and say to them,' Now God will appear for them. You will see it in Jehovah-jireh, the mountain of the Lord" (verses 12-14).