Ezekiel 37:9
Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, 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.
Ezekiel 37:9 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord instructs the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy to the wind, calling for the breath of God to bring life to the slain. The four winds symbolize the power and presence of God that encompasses all directions, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of God's breath. By calling upon the wind, Ezekiel is invoking the life-giving spirit of God to breathe new life into the dead. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring restoration, renewal, and resurrection. It showcases God's ultimate power over life and death, illustrating his sovereignty and grace. Through this command, God demonstrates his divine authority and offers hope for the restoration and revival of those who have been spiritually dead. This verse serves as a testament to the transformative and life-giving power of God's breath, symbolizing the miraculous work of resurrection and redemption that he can bring to those who are spiritually dead or in need of revival.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet is instructed by the Lord God to prophesy to the wind and command it to come from the four winds and breathe life into the slain. The word "prophesy" in this context can be understood as speaking forth the word of God with power and authority. The wind represents the Spirit of God, which brings life and revitalization. The image of the wind breathing life into the slain can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual renewal and resurrection that comes from the Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the power and authority of God to bring about life from death, illustrating His ability to renew and restore even the most hopeless situations. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of the life-giving power of God's Spirit and His ability to bring restoration and transformation to our lives.
Ezekiel 37:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
World English Bible
Then he said to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and tell the wind, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Come from the four winds, breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.
Douay-Rheims
And he said to me: Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, O son of man, and say to the spirit: Thus saith the Lord God: Come, spirit, from the four winds, and blow upon these slain, and let them live again.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sayd he vnto me, Prophecie vnto the winde: prophecie, sonne of man, and say to the winde, Thus sayth the Lord God, Come from the foure windes, O breath, and breathe vpon these slayne, that they may liue.