Ezekiel - Dry Bones and the Glory of God
Major Prophets
Author(s):
Ezekiel
Old Testament
📖 What It’s About
Ezekiel is a vivid, symbolic, and often shocking prophetic book written by a priest turned prophet during Israel’s exile in Babylon. God calls Ezekiel to be a watchman — warning a rebellious people of judgment and later proclaiming hope, restoration, and a future resurrection.
The book is divided into two main halves:
Judgment on Jerusalem and the surrounding nations (chapters 1–32), including dramatic prophetic signs and intense visions.
Restoration and renewal of Israel’s future (chapters 33–48), including the valley of dry bones and a new Temple.
It’s a book about God’s glory — His holiness, justice, sovereignty, and presence — and about a people too stubborn to listen, yet not beyond the reach of divine restoration.
🔑 Key Themes & Messages
The Glory of God — God’s presence is powerful, holy, and moves beyond the Temple.
Judgment with Purpose — God’s discipline is not vengeance — it’s an invitation to return.
Symbolic Prophecy — Ezekiel acts out many of his messages in strange, physical ways.
Spiritual Death and Resurrection — The valley of dry bones shows that no one is too far gone.
A New Heart and Spirit — God promises inner transformation, not just external reform.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Key People to Know
Ezekiel — A priest from Jerusalem taken into Babylonian exile, called to prophesy in a foreign land with bold visuals and strange signs.
The Exiles — Fellow Israelites in Babylon, disheartened and spiritually deaf.
The “Prince” of Israel — A recurring figure symbolizing future leadership and, ultimately, pointing to Christ.
Foreign Nations — God holds surrounding nations accountable for their treatment of Israel and their own pride.
🌍 Time + Place
Timeline of Events: ~593–571 BC
Date Written: During the Babylonian exile (between first and final deportations of Judah)
Primary Setting: Babylon — away from Jerusalem, yet under God’s direct revelation
📜 Key Verses
Ezekiel 2:7 — “You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear…”
Ezekiel 11:19 — “I will give them one heart… and a new spirit I will put within them.”
Ezekiel 18:32 — “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone… so turn and live.”
Ezekiel 36:26 — “I will remove the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 37:5 — “Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”
These verses carry both divine authority and tender invitation.
✝️ Christ Connection
The True Shepherd — In contrast to false leaders, Jesus fulfills Ezekiel 34 as the Good Shepherd who gathers and cares for His sheep (John 10).
The New Heart and Spirit — Through Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit and are made new (Ezekiel 36 → 2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Resurrection and the Spirit — The dry bones in chapter 37 foreshadow spiritual rebirth in Christ and bodily resurrection in the end.
The Glory Returns — Ezekiel 43’s vision of God’s glory returning points to Jesus, in whom “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Temple Fulfillment — Ezekiel’s temple vision finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His Church (Ephesians 2:21–22).
🧠 Cultural Notes & Fun Facts
Unusual Signs — Ezekiel lies on his side for over a year, shaves his head, eats a scroll, and more — each act a visual sermon.
The Glory Departs — Ezekiel sees the heartbreaking vision of God’s glory leaving the Temple (chapter 10).
Apocalyptic Elements — Ezekiel contains visions and language later echoed in Revelation — wheels within wheels, cherubim, rivers of life.
Highly Structured — The book balances heavy judgment with equally powerful visions of hope and restoration.
🪞 Reflection + Application
Where do I need to see God’s glory again — not just His help?
Am I responding to God’s warnings — or tuning them out?
What “dry bones” in my life or heart need God’s breath?
Do I believe that transformation is possible — even for me?
How am I living as one made new — with a new heart and Spirit?
Ezekiel reminds us that God doesn’t abandon His people, even in exile.
He judges, yes — but also revives. He warns, but He also restores.
And even in the valley of death, His Spirit still whispers, “Live.”