Mountains, Valleys, and Misconceptions
Thank you for joining us again today. We will look at one of the most hopeful sections of Ezekiel as we study chapters 35–37.

The first thing that stood out to me was the geography. We read, “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir; prophesy against it.” (Ezekiel 35:2). For years, I imagined Israel as a vast desert—flat, dry, and desolate. Movies like Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments shaped that image for me(2). It’s much like how people picture Arizona, assuming it’s all cactus and sand.

But Israel is far more diverse. There are snow-capped peaks like Mount Hermon, fertile valleys like the Jordan Valley, and coastal plains reminiscent of California’s central coast. Yes, deserts also exist—but the land has layers, similar to life itself.
The Landscape of the Soul
Life mirrors this terrain. We have our mountaintop moments—when our children are born; we land the promotion; we accept Jesus. And then there are valleys—loss, disappointment, distance. These transitions aren’t just emotional—they’re spiritual landscapes.

God takes Ezekiel to the Valley of Dry Bones in chapter 37. It’s a metaphorical place we all visit. Our faith feels brittle. We go through the motions, but the spark is gone. We see the surrounding mountains, but we’re stuck in indecision. The valley has water—life—but the climb looks daunting. Do we leave the familiar to pursue the summit?
The Breath of God in the Bones
In Ezekiel 37:5–10, God breathes life into the bones. It’s not just a vision—it’s a promise. He will restore what feels dead. He will rejoin Israel and Judah (Ezekiel 37:19), and one day, Christ will unite Jews and Gentiles. “Every knee will bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10–11)

He will give us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:25–28) and a new Spirit. This is personal resurrection, not just national restoration. We see it in Lazarus (John 11), in the prodigal son, and in our own lives when we surrender.

The exiles will return home (Ezekiel 37:12–14), and we too will find our home in Him. Jesus will be our King (Ezekiel 37:22, 24)—the descendant of David, the Shepherd who gathers His flock.
The Call to Climb
If you’re like me, you eagerly await these events. But we must not get ahead of ourselves. We all have loved ones who risk missing this glory if they refuse Jesus. It’s tempting to say, “Let them live their own lives.” But the days are few, and the despair will be great if we don’t speak the truth.

Encourage them. Invite them. Warn them. The valley is not the end—it’s the beginning of the climb. And the view from the summit is worth it.
Tomorrow, we will read Ezekiel 38-40.
Bibliography

Wyler, William, director. Ben-Hur. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1959.

DeMille, Cecil B., director. The Ten Commandments. Paramount Pictures, 1956.

“Ezekiel 37 Devotional–The Valley of Dry Bones.” Spoken Gospel. Accessed August 27, 2025. Spoken Gospel Devotional.

“Reviving the Dry Bones: A Journey of Faith and Resurrection.” Bible Art. Accessed August 27, 2025. Bible Art Devotional on Ezekiel 37:3.

“10 Powerful Lessons from the Valley of Dry Bones.” Prayersbase. Accessed August 27, 2025. Prayersbase Devotional.