So I prophesied as I was commanded I declared these promises or gracious purposes of God concerning these bones. And as I prophesied there was a noise, &c. Such a noise as we may suppose would arise from the motion of the bones. And behold a shaking A trembling, or commotion among the bones, enough to manifest a divine presence working among them. And the bones came together, &c. Glided nearer and nearer, till each bone met the bone to which it was to be joined. Of all the bones of those numerous slain not one was wanting, not one missed its way, not one missed its place, but each knew and found its fellow. Thus, in the resurrection of the dead, the scattered atoms shall be ranged in their proper place and order, and every bone come to its bone By the same wisdom and power by which they were first formed in the womb of her that was with child. And lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them Gradually spreading themselves. And the skin covered them above Enveloped the bones, sinews, and flesh of each body; but there was no breath in them Or spirit, rather; no souls animated the bodies. Then said he, Prophesy unto the wind Or rather, unto the spirit, namely, the quickening spirit of God, or principle of life, issuing from him, and imparting life to every creature that possesses it. Come from the four winds, O breath, O spirit This signified the gathering of the Jewish people from the different quarters of the world where they were scattered; and breathe on the slain Animate these dead bodies; that they may live May awake into living men. So I prophesied, and the breath The spirit; came into them A soul animated each body; and they lived, &c., an exceeding great army Not only living men, but effective men, fit for service in war, and formidable to all that should give them any opposition. Applied to the Jews, released and returning from captivity, the words signify that they should amount to a great multitude, when they should be gathered from their several dispersions, and should be united in one body. Observe, reader, with God nothing is impossible: he can, out of stones, raise up children to Abraham, and out of dead and dry bones an exceeding great army, to fight his battles and plead his cause.
Related Commentaries of Ezekiel 37:7
Ezekiel 37:7-10
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind,b 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.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.