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.
The command to 'prophesy unto the wind' (ruach) demonstrates the prophet's dependence on God for both message and power. Calling the breath/wind/Spirit 'from the four winds' (me'arba ruchot) indicates the universality of God's sovereignty—He commands the Spirit from all directions, transcending geographical limits. The phrase 'breathe upon these slain' acknowledges that Israel's condition was violent death (slain, halalim), not natural expiration, pointing to the Babylonian conquest's brutality. The promise 'that they may live' (yichyu) guarantees transformation from death to life through the Spirit's work. This verse illustrates the economy of redemption: the Father commands, the Son (represented by the prophet) speaks the word, and the Spirit applies life. The passage anticipates Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4), where the Spirit came 'from heaven' like 'rushing mighty wind' to animate the church. Just as Ezekiel could not command the Spirit in his own authority but only by God's word, ministers today proclaim the gospel in reliance upon the Spirit to give life.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples associated wind/breath with divine life-force. However, unlike pagan animism where impersonal forces animated nature, Israel's theology taught that the personal Spirit of Yahweh sovereignly gives life according to His covenant purposes. The exiles needed to understand that their restoration would not result from political maneuvering or military strength but from God's Spirit working in fulfillment of His promises. This principle continued in Israel's return under Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts' (Zechariah 4:6). The church's life likewise depends not on human wisdom or organizational effectiveness but on the Spirit's regenerating and sanctifying work.
Questions for Reflection
How does the prophet's dependence on God's command to summon the Spirit illustrate ministry's utter reliance on divine power?
What does summoning the Spirit 'from the four winds' teach about God's unlimited resources to accomplish His purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'prophesy unto the wind' (ruach) demonstrates the prophet's dependence on God for both message and power. Calling the breath/wind/Spirit 'from the four winds' (me'arba ruchot) indicates the universality of God's sovereignty—He commands the Spirit from all directions, transcending geographical limits. The phrase 'breathe upon these slain' acknowledges that Israel's condition was violent death (slain, halalim), not natural expiration, pointing to the Babylonian conquest's brutality. The promise 'that they may live' (yichyu) guarantees transformation from death to life through the Spirit's work. This verse illustrates the economy of redemption: the Father commands, the Son (represented by the prophet) speaks the word, and the Spirit applies life. The passage anticipates Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4), where the Spirit came 'from heaven' like 'rushing mighty wind' to animate the church. Just as Ezekiel could not command the Spirit in his own authority but only by God's word, ministers today proclaim the gospel in reliance upon the Spirit to give life.