Ezekiel 37:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Are you concerned that your lifeless bones will struggle to regain their former flesh? The prophet Ezekiel experienced similar doubts when God inquired if the dry bones he saw spread across the valley could be revived. He replied, ‘O Lord God, You know it.’

When the eternal Word inquired if he believed these bones could be restored to life, he replied, O Lord God, You alone know, for You are the one with complete understanding of what is to come.

He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I replied, "O Lord God, you alone understand the condition of these bones." The prophet had no doubt; he entrusted the deepest understanding to God. Although he was fully aware of God's power, he was uncertain about God's intentions.

Recall the prophecy of Ezekiel regarding the valley filled with human bones. Consider how, following his vision, bone came together with bone, and they were subsequently enveloped in tendons, flesh, and skin, yet the breath was not yet within them. The Prophet was directed to "speak to the Spirit," and upon his proclamation, life was restored to all. This valley of bones serves as a vivid representation of humanity in its fallen state, devoid of life and separated from God, lacking the Spirit, as articulated by the Apostle.

When questioned, 'Will these bones live again?' Ezekiel responded, 'O Lord God, You know these matters.' The implication of his reply is clear: I am aware that all humanity will be raised from the dead one day; however, I am uncertain whether these bones will be revived before the final resurrection. Blessed Theodoret comments on the prophet's response, noting that while he fully understood God's power, he was uncertain about God's intentions.