Valley of Dry Bones Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Valley of Dry Bones" by Michael Card is a powerful and evocative song that draws its inspiration from the prophetic vision found in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37, verses 1-14. This passage in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament describes a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, where he is taken by God to a valley filled with dry bones and is asked to prophesy to these bones. The song, through its lyrics and melody, captures the essence of this prophetic vision, exploring themes of resurrection, hope, and the power of God's word to bring life to what was once dead.
### Verse 1:
The song begins with imagery directly pulled from Ezekiel's vision, setting the scene in a valley filled with dry bones. This opening sets a somber tone, emphasizing the hopelessness and desolation of the scene. The rhetorical question posed by God, "can these bones live?" introduces the central theme of the song: the possibility of life from death, hope from despair. This question challenges both Ezekiel and the listener to consider the power of God's life-giving capabilities.
### Chorus:
The chorus of the song shifts the narrative from despair to hope, speaking of a "legion now alive," a "resurrected army," and a "living, holy host." These lines symbolize the transformative power of God's word. The repetition of the phrase "a people born again" echoes the New Testament concept of being born again through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3), bridging the Old and New Testaments and illustrating the continuous theme of renewal and rebirth in the Christian faith.
### Verse 2:
The narrative progresses with Ezekiel obeying God's command to prophesy to the bones, leading to a miraculous transformation. The "rattling sound" mentioned in the song corresponds to Ezekiel 37:7, where the bones come together, symbolizing the initial stirrings of life. This verse captures the moment of transition from death to life, emphasizing the power inherent in divine proclamation.
### Bridge:
The bridge of the song encapsulates the climax of the biblical narrative, where Ezekiel calls upon the four winds to breathe life into the resurrected bodies (Ezekiel 37:9-10). This moment is significant because it represents the breath of God (ruach in Hebrew), which is the source of life, infusing the once dead bones with vitality and spirit. It signifies a complete restoration, not just a physical resurrection but the reanimation with the breath of life, which only comes from God.
### Conclusion:
"Valley of Dry Bones" by Michael Card is more than just a retelling of a biblical story. It's a profound meditation on the themes of resurrection, hope, and the life-giving power of God's word. Through its lyrics, the song encourages believers to reflect on the depth of God's power to bring life to the most desolate areas of our lives, reminding us that with God, hope is never lost.
By weaving together the narrative of Ezekiel's vision with theological insights, the song serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment in the New Testament, offering listeners a rich tapestry of biblical truth to explore and apply to their own lives.
