contain, according to most commentators, the Divine interpretation of the vision, Kliefoth alone contending that they furnish, not so much an exposition of the vision—which, he thinks, must be explained independently, and which he regards as teaching the future resurrection of God's people—as an application to Israel's ease of the doctrine contained in the vision. read more
The Divine Restorer. The interpretation of the vision of the valley of dry bones was given by the prophet himself. It was intended that the Israelites, when restored to their own land and to national unity and vigor, should discern in this restoration the hand of Divine Providence. A most unlikely event was about to happen, and Ezekiel desired that those in whose favor the great interposition was about to be wrought should be mindful, both of the condition of hopelessness into which they... read more
I will open your graves . That this is not exact interpretation of the foregoing symbol may be argued from the fact that in the vision no mention is made of graves; yet the discrepancy to which it is supposed to point is more apparent than real. If the prophet was to see the bones, it was requisite that these should be above ground rather than beneath. On the other hand, when one speaks of a grave, it is not needful to always think of an underground tomb. To all intents and purposes a person... read more
We are cut off for our parts - That is, “as for us, we are cut off.” The people had fallen into despair. read more
Ezekiel 37:11-12. These bones are the whole house of Israel These bones represent the forlorn and desperate condition to which the whole nation of Israel is reduced; they say, Our bones are dried, &c. Our affairs are in the most desperate condition; there is not so much as any hope left of their being retrieved. We are cut off for our parts We are separated and cut off from one another, like a limb that is cut off from the body. Therefore prophesy, &c. Inform these poor,... read more
The nation revived and reunited (37:1-28)With Jerusalem destroyed and the people in exile, Israel’s national life had come to an end. To Ezekiel it appeared as if a great army had been slaughtered in battle and the bodies of the dead left to rot in the sun. All that was left was a lot of dry bones. Israel’s condition appeared to be beyond hope (37:1-3).God now promises Ezekiel that he will do the impossible. He will bring Israel back to life - as if he brings the scattered bones together, puts... read more
are = they [are]. Figure of speech Metaphor . App-6 . the whole house. As distinct from "the house", we are cut off for our parts = as for us, we are quite cut off, or clean cut off. read more
graves = sepulchres, or burying-places. Hebrew. keber , not Sheol . See App-35 . The repetition of this must include resurrection as well as restoration. into the land of Israel = upon the soil of Israel. Hebrew. 'admath . See note on Ezekiel 11:17 . read more
"Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, O my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, O my people. And... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 37:11
The cry of the hopeless. "Our hope is lost: we are cut off to ourselves" (Fairbairn's translation); i.e. we are "cut off from the source of power and influence, and. abandoned to ourselves." Taking these words apart from their connection (though quite in accordance with their spirit and tenor), our attention is directed to— I. THE HOPELESS , BECAUSE THE ABANDONED . Many are they who have had, or still have, occasion to utter this most sad exclamation. It has been: 1. ... read more