Are the dry bones and fiery wheels in Ezekiel literal or symbolic?
Ezekiel’s dry bones and fiery wheels are symbolic, not literal depictions. The context states these images are symbolisms, yet they carry a literal truth. They belong to prophetic books written outside Israel that consistently use symbolic language, and Scripture itself interprets such symbols elsewhere.
Les explains that Ezekiel is one of three prophetic books written by Jewish men outside the land of Israel—Daniel from Babylon, Ezekiel from Persia/Shushan, and Revelation from Patmos. He notes all three uniquely write in symbolism. Ezekiel’s dry bones, sticks, and fiery wheels are examples of those symbolisms, but Les emphasizes they still have a literal truth. These symbols are not meant to be understood as literal depictions; rather, Scripture itself interprets them in one place or another.