Resurrection (1–14). The nation seemed to be hopeless, like an army of skeletons in a desert. But God can give life through His Word (vv. 4, 7) and His Spirit (v. 14; the Hebrew word for “breath” also means “Spirit”). One day, the nation of Israel will be resurrected spiritually and will know their God.
Reconciliation (15–28). Not only will the dead nation receive life, but the divided nation will be united in a covenant of peace. There will be no more “Ephraim” and “Judah,” but one nation with one king and one temple.
According to Ephesians 2, God is doing this today. He is raising lost sinners from the dead (Eph. 2:1–10) and reconciling Jews and Gentiles into one temple (Eph. 2:11–22). These spiritual miracles take place when you and I share the life-giving Word in the power of the Spirit of God.
The Breath of Life
The breath of God was breathed into man at creation (Gen. 2:7), into the Word when it was written (2 Tim. 3:16), and upon the disciples to empower them for ministry (John 20:22). It will one day sweep over God’s chosen people and make them a new nation. Meanwhile, God longs to send the “wind of revival” to His church; and He will, if we honor His Word, pray, and depend on the Spirit of God.
