Ezekiel 37:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 37:6
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.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 37 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, mercy, salvation. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 37:6
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.
Analysis
"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." The detailed description of resurrection—sinews, flesh, skin, breath—emphasizes systematic, comprehensive restoration. This isn't partial healing but complete re-creation. The purpose clause "ye shall know that I am the LORD" reveals that resurrection serves to display God's character and power. Salvation's ultimate goal is knowing God, not merely experiencing benefits. The Reformed emphasis on God's glory as creation's chief end appears—we exist to know and glorify Him.
Historical Context
The stages of resurrection (587 BC) depict progressive restoration: physical regathering (sinews, flesh, skin) followed by spiritual regeneration (breath/spirit). The post-exilic return began this process, but complete fulfillment awaits Christ's return. The purpose—"know that I am the LORD"—appears over 70 times in Ezekiel, emphasizing that all divine action aims at revealing God's character. Salvation isn't primarily about human benefit but God's glory. This theocentric focus corrects anthropocentric theology reducing God to servant of human needs.
Reflection
- How does the detailed resurrection process reveal God's comprehensive restoration plan?
- What does "know that I am the LORD" teach about salvation's ultimate purpose?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Ezekiel 6:7, 34:27, 35:9, 35:12, 37:14, 38:23
- Sin: Isaiah 49:23