Ezekiel 37:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet thus speaks to the spirit, declaring, "Thus saith the Lord God, Come, spirit, from the four winds, so that the second creation, which is the resurrection of the dead, may be brought to life through the breath of the spirit." This echoes the first creation, when God breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living soul (Gen. 2:7). When the spirit enters into the bodies of individuals, they immediately come to life and rise on their feet. Consequently, the resurrection of the dead is also referred to as a great assembly or congregation and is described in Hebrew as a great multitude. In fulfilling the scriptures, it is said: "After Thy spirit they will be built up and renew the face of the earth" (Psalm 103:30).

This passage conveys that everything is effortless for God's might, and every aspect of existence is under His control. It is stated, ‘In His hand is the soul of all that live’ (Job 12:10). Thus, God instructs the Prophet to command the souls, wherever they exist, to come back and be reunited with their bodies.

Reflect on Ezekiel's vision of a valley filled with human bones. Recall how, as the prophecy declared, the bones came together, connecting one to another, until they were draped with tendons, flesh, and skin, though life had not yet entered them. The Lord instructed the Prophet to proclaim to the Spirit, and through his words, all were revived. This valley of bones symbolizes humanity in its fallen state, alienated from God and devoid of life within themselves, lacking the Spirit, as the Apostle teaches.

The terms "Spirit" and "wind" in this context are expressed in Greek by the same term (πνεῦμα), yet they carry distinct meanings. When we speak of the Spirit that has come from the four winds, we do not refer to the wind itself, as it would be an odd phrasing to say, "Come the wind from the four winds," but rather to the life-giving essence of God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only brings existence to all things but also sustains them. "After Thy Spirit, Thou shalt renew the face of the earth." The Spirit of God, who encompasses everything with His presence and might, does not need to physically traverse from one location to another to demonstrate His power, as His reign extends everywhere.