What does the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 symbolize?
The valley of dry bones symbolizes the nation of Israel scattered among the nations, away from its homeland and seemingly without hope of ever having a homeland again. The bones coming together pictures Israel’s gradual restoration, as Jewish people began seeking their own land and homeland in the late 1890s.
Les explains that the great valley floor covered with dry bones is symbolic language for the nation of Israel away from its homeland, scattered among the nations, and seemingly with no hope of ever having a homeland. He points to the bones moving, shaking, rattling, coming together into skeletons, then receiving flesh and skin, and finally life as a picture of Israel’s gradual restoration. In the transcript, this is tied to the late 1890s dream of a Jewish homeland, Jewish refusal of an area in Africa, and the desire for the land of their forefathers. Les also notes that although Israel has accomplished much—agriculture, high-rises, freeways—the people do not give God the credit, but the Lord says one day they will realize it was the work of their Almighty God.