Ezekiel 37 I can't wrap my head around this, any help would be a blessing

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Acolyte

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A quick story: We live with a cemetary behind our property and a farmer's field on one side. My grand-daughter was spending the night. I was doing dinner dishes and she asked me if I was scared living so close to the cemetary. I said no, they are good neighbors. She said, what about the zombies, does that scare you? I laughed and said no, I'm more afraid I will look out my kitchen window and a ufo is goung to be in the field. She laughed and ufos ha.. I laughed and said zombies ha.
( definately a generation gap there) :)

Now although I'm past this book in my studies, (ezekiel), I can't seem to understand it. Strange both the zombie and ufo analgy comes up in this book. Any insight to chapter 37?
 
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Dave L

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A quick story: We live with a cemetary behind our property and a farmer's field on one side. My grand-daughter was spending the night. I was doing dinner dishes and she asked me if I was scared living so close to the cemetary. I said no, they are good neighbors. She said, what about the zombies, does that scare you? I laughed and said no, I'm more afraid I will look out my kitchen window and a ufo is goung to be in the field. She laughed and ufos ha.. I laughed and said zombies ha.
( definately a generation gap there) :)

Now although I'm past this book in my studies, (ezekiel), I can't seem to understand it. Strange both the zombie and ufo analgy comes up in this book. Any insight to chapter 37?
Ezekiel uses symbolism to depict the new birth during the New Covenant. Jesus is revealed as Israel in the NC so the land of Israel is the whole world, Jesus' domain.
 
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ScottA

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A quick story: We live with a cemetary behind our property and a farmer's field on one side. My grand-daughter was spending the night. I was doing dinner dishes and she asked me if I was scared living so close to the cemetary. I said no, they are good neighbors. She said, what about the zombies, does that scare you? I laughed and said no, I'm more afraid I will look out my kitchen window and a ufo is goung to be in the field. She laughed and ufos ha.. I laughed and said zombies ha.
( definately a generation gap there) :)

Now although I'm past this book in my studies, (ezekiel), I can't seem to understand it. Strange both the zombie and ufo analgy comes up in this book. Any insight to chapter 37?
These are "the dead in Christ", the house of Israel whom the Lamb of God came to save as their holy sacrifice, in Whom is life everlasting. They are referred to as bones and dead, because they are those who are the descendants of "the first Adam", born of the flesh and under the curse of death. But the promises of the Lord God are good and true - they are with Him!
 

Episkopos

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Ez. 37 the valley of dry bones.... is about the whole house of Israel....but it has other connotations as well.

It is about the coming together of Israel by the Spirit....both Jews and Gentiles. Judah and Ephraim. They shall have One shepherd who is Christ our Lord.

But it is also about doctrines becoming life. The truth is scattered like bones across the whole bible. As these truths come together to form the big picture...the Spirit then quickens the word to give life to Israel....the people of God.
 

Nancy

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Ez. 37 the valley of dry bones.... is about the whole house of Israel....but it has other connotations as well.

It is about the coming together of Israel by the Spirit....both Jews and Gentiles. Judah and Ephraim. They shall have One shepherd who is Christ our Lord.

But it is also about doctrines becoming life. The truth is scattered like bones across the whole bible. As these truths come together to form the big picture...the Spirit then quickens the word to give life to Israel....the people of God.
 
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Helen

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Ez. 37 the valley of dry bones.... is about the whole house of Israel....but it has other connotations as well.

It is about the coming together of Israel by the Spirit....both Jews and Gentiles. Judah and Ephraim. They shall have One shepherd who is Christ our Lord.

But it is also about doctrines becoming life. The truth is scattered like bones across the whole bible. As these truths come together to form the big picture...the Spirit then quickens the word to give life to Israel....the people of God.

Amen , good one.
I love that chapter..full of promise and hope...
 

Enoch111

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Any insight to chapter 37?
Christians who believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and that Ezekiel is as divinely inspired as any other book, must take these prophesies in their plain literal sense, no matter how difficult it may be to grasp their meaning.

VERSES 1-14 THE RESURRECTION OF ISRAEL

The language used shows that there will be a literal resurrection of Israel ("I will open your graves"), and that those who have been resurrected will be supernaturally gathered and brought to the land of Israel. There they will be confronted with their true Messiah (Yeshua), repent, and be regenerated.

We know that there will be a worldwide supernatural gathering up of Jews after the the second coming of Christ. This passage indicates that all those of Israel who died will also join them as resurrected people.

VERSES 15-23 ISRAEL TO BE ONE NATION UNDER GOD
We know from the history of the kingdom of Israel that after Solomon, that kingdom was split into two -- the Kingdom of Judah (with two tribes) and the Kingdom of Israel -- called "Ephraim" and "Joseph" in this passage (with ten tribes). So this is a prophecy to show that once all Israel is gathered to the land, there will be only one kingdom of Israel under Christ (during the Millennium and beyond). Furthermore, all the twelve tribes will be redeemed, regenerated, and restored to their respective portion of land.

VERSES 24-25 DAVID TO BE PRINCE OVER ISRAEL

God had promised David an eternal throne, therefore David will be prince over the redeemed and restored kingdom of Israel under Christ. Also the 12 apostles will be given 12 thrones to rule the 12 tribes under David (stated in the New Testament).

VERSES 26-28 AN ETERNAL TEMPLE TO BE ESTABLISHED IN JERUSALEM
This temple will be both God's tabernacle and God's sanctuary in the midst of Israel under Christ.
 
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Episkopos

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Christians who believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and that Ezekiel is as divinely inspired as any other book, must take these prophesies in their plain literal sense, no matter how difficult it may be to grasp their meaning.

VERSES 1-14 THE RESURRECTION OF ISRAEL

The language used shows that there will be a literal resurrection of Israel ("I will open your graves"), and that those who have been resurrected will be supernaturally gathered and brought to the land of Israel. There they will be confronted with their true Messiah (Yeshua), repent, and be regenerated.

We know that there will be a worldwide supernatural gathering up of Jews after the the second coming of Christ. This passage indicates that all those of Israel who died will also join them as resurrected people.

VERSES 15-23 ISRAEL TO BE ONE NATION UNDER GOD
We know from the history of the kingdom of Israel that after Solomon, that kingdom was split into two -- the Kingdom of Judah (with two tribes) and the Kingdom of Israel -- called "Ephraim" and "Joseph" in this passage (with ten tribes). So this is a prophecy to show that once all Israel is gathered to the land, there will be only one kingdom of Israel under Christ (during the Millennium and beyond). Furthermore, all the twelve tribes will be redeemed, regenerated, and restored to their respective portion of land.

VERSES 24-25 DAVID TO BE PRINCE OVER ISRAEL

God had promised David an eternal throne, therefore David will be prince over the redeemed and restored kingdom of Israel under Christ. Also the 12 apostles will be given 12 thrones to rule the 12 tribes under David (stated in the New Testament).

VERSES 26-28 AN ETERNAL TEMPLE TO BE ESTABLISHED IN JERUSALEM
This temple will be both God's tabernacle and God's sanctuary in the midst of Israel under Christ.



This is the Messianic take on things that denies that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile in Christ. It is Dispensationalist. It denies that the 2 flocks coming together is the One New Man. And it denies Jesus as the Head of this Body.
 

Harvest 1874

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Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones is a symbol-picture of Israel's regathering at the Time of the End. It is an important passage, not because it goes into detail concerning the events of that time -- it does not -- but because it establishes the basic principle behind the order of events. Putting it crudely, the vision, rightly understood, tells the student not to expect everything at once or anything too soon or before its time. Perhaps the parable of the growing grain recorded in Mark 4:28 best illustrates the truth behind this vision of Ezekiel as any. "First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear", at any rate there is an almost perfect correspondence although the allusion is to a totally different matter.

Ezekiel saw this vision of the valley of dry bones and by inspiration of the Spirit interpreted it aright as depicting Israel's future restoration. As such it was a message of hope to captive Israel; it bade them look forward to a time when, as a people, they would have learned the lesson all mankind have yet to learn, that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov 14:34) and so would be received back into the full enjoyment of their Divine commission to be a light to the nations and declare God's salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:6).

It is also a message to those Christians who live at the Time of the End, the time when Christ's Kingdom is about to supersede the kingdoms of men and occupy all the earth in all its glory, for the essential factor in that Kingdom is the presence upon earth of a dedicated "holy nation" composed, at least predominantly, of the natural sons of Abraham, conscious at last of their momentous destiny. It is this holy nation upon earth, in close association with the glorified Church of Christ in heaven, which is to be the instrument in God's hand for the final act in the drama of sin and redemption, the conversion of "whosoever will" among all the nations, with Satan bound that he deceive the nations no more (Rev. 20:2).” The Valley of Dry Bones, Page 1

The vision of Ezekiel 37 is an acted parable. Remember in a parable, what is said in not what is meant; for example, in the parable of the wheat and the tares, the Lord explained that wheat meant children of the kingdom, and tares the children of the devil, similar classes in another parable are represented by sheep and goats.

 
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Acolyte

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Thank you all.. my daughter-in-law told me zombies were in the bible, I told her they would rise in spirit, not in flesh.. It's not about whose right or wrong, but I feel I may be wrong. Lol. Blessings
 

Episkopos

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Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones is a symbol-picture of Israel's regathering at the Time of the End. It is an important passage, not because it goes into detail concerning the events of that time -- it does not -- but because it establishes the basic principle behind the order of events. Putting it crudely, the vision, rightly understood, tells the student not to expect everything at once or anything too soon or before its time. Perhaps the parable of the growing grain recorded in Mark 4:28 best illustrates the truth behind this vision of Ezekiel as any. "First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear", at any rate there is an almost perfect correspondence although the allusion is to a totally different matter.

Ezekiel saw this vision of the valley of dry bones and by inspiration of the Spirit interpreted it aright as depicting Israel's future restoration. As such it was a message of hope to captive Israel; it bade them look forward to a time when, as a people, they would have learned the lesson all mankind have yet to learn, that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov 14:34) and so would be received back into the full enjoyment of their Divine commission to be a light to the nations and declare God's salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:6).

It is also a message to those Christians who live at the Time of the End, the time when Christ's Kingdom is about to supersede the kingdoms of men and occupy all the earth in all its glory, for the essential factor in that Kingdom is the presence upon earth of a dedicated "holy nation" composed, at least predominantly, of the natural sons of Abraham, conscious at last of their momentous destiny. It is this holy nation upon earth, in close association with the glorified Church of Christ in heaven, which is to be the instrument in God's hand for the final act in the drama of sin and redemption, the conversion of "whosoever will" among all the nations, with Satan bound that he deceive the nations no more (Rev. 20:2).” The Valley of Dry Bones, Page 1

The vision of Ezekiel 37 is an acted parable. Remember in a parable, what is said in not what is meant; for example, in the parable of the wheat and the tares, the Lord explained that wheat meant children of the kingdom, and tares the children of the devil, similar classes in another parable are represented by sheep and goats.


Messianic mythology. There is nothing "natural" about Israel.
 
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stunnedbygrace

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How is there nothing natural about israel...?

this is the only thing I have e ve r disagreed with you on epi, your i insistence that Israel will not come to faith in Christ one day, en masse.

the apostle speaks of a mystery he does not want us to be unaware of so that we do not become wise in our conceits, and that mystery, he says, is that a blindness in part has come to Israel until the time of the gentiles is full, at which time Israel will be saved.

Romans 11 along with: from now on you will see me no more until you say...gives every indication that Israel's blindness will one day be lifted and they will see Jesus.
 

Episkopos

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Any kind of topic about Israel brings the Dispensationalists out to play.

These hold to a solidarity with unbelieving Jews.

These also deny that the Gentiles have been grafted into the commonwealth of Israel....making a continued distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. They deny the existence of the Israel of God...holding to a natural Israel...in the face of God's revelation.

These set aside the words of Jesus saying they are for Jews not for all men. So then the gospel of the kingdom is seen as NOT for us...which is patently false.

These seek to avoid the cross of Christ.

They divide the Body and divide truth so as to avoid the narrow way....teaching instead an easy admittance into "heaven" at some later date.


But these people have been fooled. The Jews, as a religion see Gentiles as far less than themselves. Converted Messianic Jews continue with this low appraisal.

Dispensationalists see themselves as just guests (NOT the Bride) at the wedding feast of the lamb. (and if they don't then they are doubly deceived) This is pleasing to natural Jews. But no Gentile in his right mind should accept this natural denigration...since our calling is direct from God in the Spirit. We do not pass through the Jews for their approval in eternal matters.

So there is a prejudice against Gentiles that has nothing to do with our spiritual calling.

Dispensationalists are stuck in the natural...not understanding the spiritual at all. And this reflects in their doctrines that make all judgments based on natural things.

Make no mistake...WE of the nations are the ALL Israel....who are added to the saints among natural Israel of old.

Now there is only the Israel of God. Old things have passed away....behold! all things are become new.
 
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Hidden In Him

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VERSES 1-14 THE RESURRECTION OF ISRAEL
The language used shows that there will be a literal resurrection of Israel ("I will open your graves"), and that those who have been resurrected will be supernaturally gathered and brought to the land of Israel. There they will be confronted with their true Messiah (Yeshua), repent, and be regenerated.

The literal interpretation is correct, although like many prophecies there are also spiritual applications as well.
It is about the coming together of Israel by the Spirit....both Jews and Gentiles. Judah and Ephraim. They shall have One shepherd who is Christ our Lord.

If by this you mean the end-time army of God being raised up, Episkopos, I fully agree with you.

Lauren Daigle is from my home town of Lafayette, LA. :) She knows what the passage is about prophetically as regards one of its primary spiritual applications. The chorus reads:

As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
We call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Up out of the ashes let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones, come alive

It's essentially a prayer for the power of God to manifest upon the soldiers He chooses to pour out His Spirit upon in greater measure than the earth has ever seen before. I believe we still have a while to wait, but the song is a prayer, and that's what we need to be doing.
But it is also about doctrines becoming life. The truth is scattered like bones across the whole bible. As these truths come together to form the big picture...the Spirit then quickens the word to give life to Israel....the people of God.

This is a spiritual application I've never seen before, and I find it interesting. Where did you get it?
 
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Episkopos

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How is there nothing natural about israel...?

this is the only thing I have e ve r disagreed with you on epi, your i insistence that Israel will not come to faith in Christ one day, en masse.

the apostle speaks of a mystery he does not want us to be unaware of so that we do not become wise in our conceits, and that mystery, he says, is that a blindness in part has come to Israel until the time of the gentiles is full, at which time Israel will be saved.

Romans 11 along with: from now on you will see me no more until you say...gives every indication that Israel's blindness will one day be lifted and they will see Jesus.

There is a Dispie teachings that reserves a place in the kingdom for unbelieving Jews.

Of course, if a Jew responds to the gospel and comes to Christ...he is most welcome...since the offer from God is first to the JEW THEN to the Gentile.

But this doctrine makes it....First to the Gentile and THEN to the Jew. This is backwards, of course.


The error stems also from the rendering of ALL Israel. Messianics fight tooth and nail over this part of the word that they have misunderstood.


When Ephraim, which is the fullness of the Gentiles, comes in THEN ALL ISRAEL will be saved. How? Well, the coming in of the nations into Christ completes Israel. The Jews are already represented in the kingdom. It is the time of the nations. After that the Lord returns.


Jesus said....this gospel must be preached in ALL the nations THEN the end will come (since ALL Israel is completed by the Gentiles)

What Jesus did NOT say is...First this gospel must go to all nations THEN the gospel will finally be preached in Judea.

NO, Rather the gospel message began in Judea and then into all the world. The Gentiles are the remnant of Ephraim. Once Ephraim is joined to Judah....the 2 shall be ONE stick in the hand of God and Jesus will be shepherd over them.

It is a Messianic Jewish myth that God has not already redeemed all nations. The Jews are not like a special race of people that are destined to rule over the nations. This is a confusion based on self-interest.

The SAINTS (coming from all nations) will rule with Christ as His Bride over the nations.

Just because we are today called "the nations" does NOT mean we are forever limited to "the nations." This is the error of many Jewish believers.

Jesus said that many will come from the nations and sit down with the OT saints....where? The New Jerusalem.

Does self-interest inherit the kingdom of God? God forbid!

If the New Jerusalem is the "Mother of us ALL" then ALL men have an opportunity to be in the Bride of Christ. Dispies dispute this. I have talked with a LOT of Messianic people and rabbis on the matter.

Dispies make Gentile believers only GUESTS in the wedding feast. Having NO access to rule with Christ. They see the lowest saved Jew is greater than the highest saved Gentile.

And you have Gentile believers saying..."Amen!"
 
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stunnedbygrace

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I'm not sure if I am a dispensationalist or not. I don't hold to some solidarity with israel, but concerning the gospel, as the apostle says, they are enemies for my sake, but as touching the election they are beloved for God's sake. Their fall brought me riches, as the apostle say s.

In roman s 11, the apostle speaks plainly enough. Their blindness will be lifted.
 
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Acolyte

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Any kind of topic about Israel brings the Dispensationalists out to play.

These hold to a solidarity with unbelieving Jews.

These also deny that the Gentiles have been grafted into the commonwealth of Israel....making a continued distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. They deny the existence of the Israel of God...holding to a natural Israel...in the face of God's revelation.

These set aside the words of Jesus saying they are for Jews not for all men. So then the gospel of the kingdom is seen as NOT for us...which is patently false.

These seek to avoid the cross of Christ.

They divide the Body and divide truth so as to avoid the narrow way....teaching instead an easy admittance into "heaven" at some later date.



But these people have been fooled. The Jews, as a religion see Gentiles as far less than themselves. Converted Messianic Jews continue with this low appraisal.

Dispensationalists see themselves as just guests (NOT the Bride) at the wedding feast of the lamb. (and if they don't then they are doubly deceived) This is pleasing to natural Jews. But no Gentile in his right mind should accept this natural denigration...since our calling is direct from God in the Spirit. We do not pass through the Jews for their approval in eternal matters.

So there is a prejudice against Gentiles that has nothing to do with our spiritual calling.

Dispensationalists are stuck in the natural...not understanding the spiritual at all. And this reflects in their doctrines that make all judgments based on natural things.

Make no mistake...WE of the nations are the ALL Israel....who are added to the saints among natural Israel of old.

Now there is only the Israel of God. Old things have passed away....behold! all things are become new.
I don't mind being a guest in the presence of the Lord. If the mystery is as you say, DOUBLY BLESSED!
:)
 
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larry2

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Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Mat 27:53 And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city,
and appeared unto many.
 
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Episkopos

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I don't mind being a guest in the presence of the Lord. If the mystery is as you say, DOUBLY BLESSED!
:)


Bless you! neither do I. But I am defending the call of God on all people...as God has no respect of persons. And I say this to get the Jews away from their self interest...that will cause their rejection from the kingdom.
 
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