1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.

5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,

14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.

15 The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,

16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:

17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?

19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

20 And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.

21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.

23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.

26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

27 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

28 And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And set me down - So it seemed to me in the vision. Which is a lively representation of a threefold resurrection: Of the resurrection of souls, from the death of sin, to the life of righteousness: The resurrection of the church from an afflicted state, to liberty and peace: The resurrection of the body at the great day, especially the bodies of believers to life eternal.
McArther Bible Commentary
brought me … in the Spirit. Another vision appears in Eze 37:1-14. God does not change Ezekiel's location but gives him a vivid, inward sense that he has been taken to a valley "full of bones." (For other visions, cf. Eze. 1:1-3:15; Eze. 8:1-11:24; Eze. 40:1-48:35.) This passage, part of a series of revelations received during the night before the messenger came with the news of the destruction of Jerusalem, was to ease the gloom of the people. in the midst of the valley. It no doubt represents the world area wherever Israelites were scattered (cf. Eze 37:12).
Bible Cross References
Acts 8:39 Isaiah 26:19 Jeremiah 7:2 Ezekiel 1:3 Ezekiel 8:3 Ezekiel 11:24 Ezekiel 33:22 Ezekiel 37:2 Ezekiel 40:1 Ezekiel 43:5

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
McArther Bible Commentary
very dry. This language pictures the dead nation lifeless, scattered, and bleached, just as a dry tree (Eze 17:24) pictures a dead nation, to which only God can give life.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 37:1 Ezekiel 37:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And he - The Lord.
McArther Bible Commentary
can these bones live? The many dry bones (Eze 37:2) picture the nation of Israel (Eze 37:11) as apparently dead in their dispersion, and waiting for national resurrection. The people knew about the doctrine of individual resurrection, otherwise this prophecy would have had no meaning (cf. 1 Kin. 17; 2 Kin. 4; Eze 13:21; Isa 25:8; Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2; Hos 13:14).
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:35 Deuteronomy 32:39 1 Samuel 2:6 Ezekiel 26:19 Ezekiel 37:2

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
McArther Bible Commentary
Prophesy to these bones. Ezekiel is to proclaim God's pledge to reassemble Israelites from all over the world, restore the nation of Israel to life (Eze 37:5), and give them His Spirit (Eze 37:14) in true salvation and spiritual life. Clearly, God is promising the resurrection of Israel as a nation and its spiritual regeneration (cf. Eze 36:25-27).
Bible Cross References
Revelation 10:11 Jeremiah 22:29 Ezekiel 36:1 Ezekiel 37:9 Ezekiel 37:12

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 11:11 Genesis 2:7 Psalm 104:29 Psalm 104:30 Ezekiel 37:9 Ezekiel 37:10

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:3 Isaiah 49:23 Ezekiel 35:9 Ezekiel 37:14 Ezekiel 38:23 Ezekiel 39:6 Joel 2:27 Joel 3:17

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Prophesied - Declared these promises. As I prophesied - While I was prophesying. A noise - A rattling of the bones in their motion. A shaking - A trembling or commotion among the bones, enough to manifest a divine presence, working among them. Came together - Glided nearer and nearer, 'till each bone met the bone to which it was to be joined. Of all the bones of all those numerous slain, not one was missing, not one missed its way, not one missed its place, but each knew and found its fellow. Thus in the resurrection of the dead, the scattered atoms shall be arranged in their proper place and order, and every bone come to his bone, by the same wisdom and power by which they were first formed in the womb of her that is with child.
McArther Bible Commentary
In the vision, Ezekiel did as he was told and the dead bones became a living nation (Eze 37:10).
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 13:5 Ezekiel 12:7 Ezekiel 37:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Came up - Gradually spreading itself.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 37:7 Ezekiel 37:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Prophesy - Declare what my will is. O breath - The soul, whose emblem here is wind; which, as it gently blew upon these lifeless creatures, each was inspired with its own soul or spirit.
Bible Cross References
John 3:8 Revelation 10:11 Revelation 11:11 Psalm 104:30 Ezekiel 37:4 Ezekiel 37:5 Ezekiel 37:8 Ezekiel 37:14 Daniel 11:4 Hosea 13:14 Zechariah 6:5

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And the breath - The spirit of life, or the soul, (Genesis 2:7) .
Bible Cross References
Revelation 11:11 Jeremiah 30:19 Jeremiah 33:22 Ezekiel 12:7 Ezekiel 37:5

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The whole house - The emblem of the house of Israel. Are dried - Our state is as hopeless, as far from recovery, as dried bones are from life.
McArther Bible Commentary
This passage contains the key to unlock the interpretation of the vision. It is the resurrection and salvation of Israel.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 88:5 Psalm 88:16 Psalm 141:7 Jeremiah 32:43 Jeremiah 33:24 Lamentations 3:18 Lamentations 3:54 Ezekiel 33:10 Ezekiel 36:10 Ezekiel 39:25

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I will open - Though your captivity be as death, your persons close as the grave, yet I will open those graves.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:39 1 Samuel 2:6 Isaiah 26:19 Isaiah 66:14 Ezekiel 37:4 Ezekiel 37:13 Daniel 12:2 Hosea 13:14 Zephaniah 3:20

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:3 Ezekiel 37:12 Ezekiel 37:14 Hosea 13:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God restores dried bones to life.
No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was also a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represents the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeless sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open our graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, through faith, unto salvation.
McArther Bible Commentary
I will put My Spirit in you. See note on Eze 36:25-27. performed it. God's reputation is at stake in the restoration and regeneration of Israel to the land. He must do what He promised so all will know that He is Lord.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 32:15 Ezekiel 11:19 Ezekiel 36:27 Ezekiel 36:36 Ezekiel 37:6 Ezekiel 37:9 Ezekiel 37:13 Ezekiel 37:15 Ezekiel 39:29 Joel 2:28 Joel 2:29 Zechariah 12:10

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
McArther Bible Commentary
The vision ended and Ezekiel was given an object lesson that his people observed (Eze 37:18, Eze 37:20). This drama of uniting two sticks offered a second illustration that God will not only regather Israelites to their land, but will for the first time since 931 B.C. (the end of Solomon's reign, 1Ki 11:26-40) restore union between Israel and Judah (Eze 37:19, Eze 37:21-22) in the messianic reign (cf. Isa 11:12-13; Jer 3:18; Hos 1:11).
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 37:14 Ezekiel 37:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
One stick - A writing tablet or a tally, such as is fit to be written upon. His companions - Benjamin and part of Levi, who kept with the tribe of Judah. Ephraim - Ephraim was the most considerable tribe in the kingdom of Israel, when divided from the other two. The house of Israel - The other nine tribes, who continued with Ephraim.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 17:2 Numbers 17:3 1 Kings 12:16 2 Chronicles 10:17 2 Chronicles 10:19 2 Chronicles 11:11 2 Chronicles 15:9 Isaiah 11:13 Ezekiel 37:15 Zechariah 11:7

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 11:13 Jeremiah 50:4 Ezekiel 37:22 Hosea 1:11 Zephaniah 3:9

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 12:9 Ezekiel 17:12 Ezekiel 20:49 Ezekiel 24:19 Ezekiel 33:2 Ezekiel 37:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In mine hand - Under my government, care, and blessing. God will make the two kingdoms one in his hand, as I make these two sticks one in my hand.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 37:18 Ezekiel 37:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 37:19 Ezekiel 37:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
McArther Bible Commentary
God made three promises that summarized His future plans for Israel: (1) restoration, verse Eze 37:21; (2) unification, verse Eze 37:22; and (3) purification, verse Eze 37:23. These promises bring to fulfillment: (1) the Abrahamic covenant (cf. Gen. 12); (2) the Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7); and (3) the new covenant (cf. Jer. 31), respectively.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 43:5 Isaiah 43:6 Jeremiah 29:14 Ezekiel 36:10 Ezekiel 36:24 Ezekiel 37:20 Ezekiel 38:8 Ezekiel 39:25 Ezekiel 39:27 Hosea 1:11 Amos 9:14 Amos 9:15 Micah 4:6 Nahum 2:2 Zephaniah 3:20

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
One nation - They were one in David's time, who was a type of the Messiah, and continued so to the end of Solomon's time, whose name includes peace. So when the Beloved, the Peace - maker, the Messiah shall be king, they shall be one again. And one king - The Messiah.
McArther Bible Commentary
one king. This leader (cf. Eze 37:24-25) is the Messiah-King-Shepherd, often promised for David's dynasty (Eze 34:23-24; Jer 23:5-8; Jer 30:9; Dan 2:35, Dan 2:45; Dan 7:13-14, Dan 7:27), who is the one king of Zec 14:9 (cf. Mat 25:31, Mat 25:34, Mat 25:40).
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 3:18 Jeremiah 33:24 Jeremiah 50:4 Jeremiah 50:5 Ezekiel 17:22 Ezekiel 20:40 Ezekiel 34:23 Ezekiel 34:24 Ezekiel 36:10 Ezekiel 37:17 Ezekiel 37:24 Ezekiel 39:25 Ezekiel 40:2

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I will save - I will bring them safe out of them. And will cleanse - Both justify and sanctify them.
McArther Bible Commentary
cleanse them. This is provided by the provisions of the new covenant (cf. Eze 36:27; Eze 37:14; Jer 31:31-34).
Bible Cross References
Titus 2:14 Ezekiel 11:18 Ezekiel 14:11 Ezekiel 36:25 Ezekiel 36:28 Ezekiel 36:29 Ezekiel 37:27

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
David - The son of David. One shepherd - This king shall be their one chief shepherd, others that feed and rule the flock, are so by commission from him.
McArther Bible Commentary
David. This is to be understood as Jesus Christ the Messiah, descendant of David (cf. 2Sa 7:8-17; Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6-7; Mic 5:2; Mat 1:1, Mat 1:23; Luk 1:31-33).
Bible Cross References
John 10:16 Psalm 78:71 Proverbs 9:6 Isaiah 32:1 Isaiah 40:11 Isaiah 55:4 Jeremiah 30:9 Jeremiah 30:21 Jeremiah 33:22 Ezekiel 20:40 Ezekiel 21:27 Ezekiel 34:23 Ezekiel 34:24 Ezekiel 37:22 Ezekiel 37:25 Ezekiel 45:7 Hosea 3:5 Zechariah 13:7

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For ever - 'Till Christ's coming to judgment, the Jews converted to Christ, shall inherit Canaan.
McArther Bible Commentary
land that I have given to Jacob. It is natural to see this physical land, verified here, as the very land God originally gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen 12:7; Gen 26:24; Gen 35:12).
Bible Cross References
John 12:34 Isaiah 11:1 Isaiah 30:19 Isaiah 55:4 Jeremiah 30:9 Jeremiah 32:39 Ezekiel 34:24 Ezekiel 37:24 Ezekiel 44:3 Daniel 2:44 Joel 3:20 Amos 9:15 Zechariah 6:12 Zechariah 8:8 Zechariah 10:7

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My sanctuary - I will set up a spiritual glorious temple, and worship among you. For evermore - Never to be altered or abolished on earth, but to be consummated in heaven.
McArther Bible Commentary
covenant of peace. Cf. Eze 34:25. This is the new covenant in full force. Israel has never yet been in a state of perpetual salvation peace; this awaits fulfillment in the future kingdom of the Messiah who is the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6). an everlasting covenant. The everlasting nature of the Abrahamic (cf. Gen 17:7), Davidic (2Sa 23:5), and new (Jer 50:5) covenants are joined together in the redeemed who experience the millennial kingdom "forever" (used four times in Eze 37:25-28). The Hebrew word for "everlasting" may refer to a long time or to eternity. It is also true that these covenants will continue to be fulfilled after the millennium in the eternal state. My sanctuary. The Spirit of God begins to prepare for the great reality that God will have a sanctuary in the midst of His people and will dwell with them (cf. Zec 6:12-13). God promised to dwell with man on earth (Eze 47:1-12). This has been God's desire in all epochs: (1) before Moses (Gen 17:7-8); (2) in the Mosaic era (Lev 26:11-13); (3) in the church era (1Co 3:16; 1Co 6:19); (4) in the millennium (Eze 37:26-28); and (5) in eternity future (Rev 21:3).
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 13:20 Leviticus 26:11 Numbers 25:12 Psalm 89:3 Psalm 89:4 Isaiah 55:3 Isaiah 59:21 Jeremiah 30:19 Jeremiah 31:31 Jeremiah 32:40 Ezekiel 16:60 Ezekiel 16:62 Ezekiel 20:37 Ezekiel 20:40 Ezekiel 34:25 Ezekiel 36:10 Ezekiel 36:11 Ezekiel 43:7 Ezekiel 43:9 Zephaniah 3:15

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My tabernacle - The tabernacle wherein I will shew my presence among them. Their fathers had a tabernacle, but the Messiah shall bring with him a better, a spiritual, and an heavenly. They shall be my people - By my grace I will make them holy, as the people of a holy God; and I will make them happy, as the people of the ever blessed God.
McArther Bible Commentary
Paul quotes this text in 2Co 6:16.
Bible Cross References
John 1:14 2 Corinthians 6:16 Revelation 7:15 Revelation 21:3 Ezekiel 36:28 Ezekiel 37:23

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The whole house of Israel is represented as enjoying the blessings of Christ's kingdom.
This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 23:17 Exodus 31:13 Isaiah 30:19 Ezekiel 20:12 Ezekiel 38:1 Ezekiel 38:23 Ezekiel 43:7