Bones Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Bones" by Hillsong UNITED is a powerful worship song that carries a profound message of restoration and resurrection. This song beautifully captures the essence of God's transformative power in breathing life into dry bones and bringing about a new beginning. Inspired by the biblical account of Ezekiel's vision in the Valley of Dry Bones, "Bones" serves as a reminder of God's ability to revive our spirits, renew our faith, and revive our purpose.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The song "Bones" draws its inspiration from the vision outlined in the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, the prophet Ezekiel finds himself in a valley filled with dry bones. God asks him if these bones can live again, to which Ezekiel responds, "Sovereign Lord, you alone know." God then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, declaring His promise to breathe life into them once again.
The vision symbolizes the restoration and revival of the nation of Israel, which had been exiled and scattered. However, the message of this vision goes beyond just the Israelites; it speaks to the renewal of faith and hope for all humanity.
The story behind the song "Bones" lies in the desire to convey the transformative power of God's love and grace. It captures the essence of God's ability to bring life to areas of despair, hopelessness, and brokenness in our lives. The lyrics speak of God's ability to breathe life into our dry bones, to awaken our souls, and to break the chains that bind us.
Biblical Verses Related to the Song:
1. Ezekiel 37:1-6 (NIV):
"The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign Lord, you alone know.' Then he said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.'"
2. Ezekiel 37:12-14 (NIV):
"Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.''
3. John 11:25-26 (NIV):
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
4. Romans 8:11 (NIV):
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
Explanation of the Song's Lyrics:
Verse 1:
The opening verse of "Bones" sets the tone for the song, expressing the state of our lives before encountering God's transformative power. It speaks of our dry bones, which represent our spiritual deadness and brokenness. However, it also acknowledges God's ability to breathe life into our souls and resurrect us from our despair and hopelessness.
Verse 2:
The second verse of the song emphasizes God's authority over the chaos and storms in our lives. It speaks of His ability to calm the oceans and bring peace to our troubled souls. The lyrics invite God to take us as we are and awaken our hearts to beat again, signifying the renewal of our faith and purpose.
Chorus:
The chorus of "Bones" serves as a declaration of faith and acknowledgement of Jesus' presence in our lives. It emphasizes the life-giving power of Jesus and invites Him to be alive within us. The repetition of the phrase "Oh Jesus" reinforces the deep longing for His transformative presence.
Verse 3:
In the third verse, "Bones" highlights God's ability to work in the unseen and set the captives free. It acknowledges that as we stand and sing, God is breaking the chains that bind us and bringing freedom and deliverance. It speaks of the transformation that occurs when we surrender our lives to Him.
Bridge:
The bridge of the song echoes a heartfelt cry for God to breathe His life into us. It expresses the desire to experience His overwhelming love and to be filled with His presence. The lyrics emphasize the need to see Him more clearly and to love others as He loves us.
Conclusion:
"Bones" by Hillsong UNITED is a captivating worship song that draws inspiration from the biblical account of Ezekiel's vision in the Valley of Dry Bones. It beautifully conveys the message of restoration and resurrection, reminding us of God's transformative power in breathing life into every aspect of our lives. The song encourages us to surrender our brokenness and despair to God, inviting Him to revive our spirits, renew our faith, and bring forth a new beginning. Through its poignant lyrics and powerful melody, "Bones" invites us to experience the life-giving power of Jesus and to walk in the freedom He offers.
