Ezekiel's God has big plans for Israel's future—well, fairly big plans. They're not quite the visions of cosmic peace that Isaiah has, but they're still pretty good. Ezekiel envisions a time where a stream of freshening water from under the Temple will bring the Dead Sea to life symbolizing the restoration of the people who re-commit themselves to God. He also sees prosperity and plenty, in addition to having David (or one of his righteous descendants) as a king again.
He also envisions a valley full of "dry bones" where the dead return to life. This may be a political metaphor for the return of the House of Israel to vitality, but it has greater meaning. It foreshadows the idea of a real resurrection of the dead, which will play such a crucial role in Judaism and Christianity.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- Does Ezekiel's ideal future involve anything more than obedience to God's law? Will people be happy in this world?
- Do people seem to be immortal in this future time or is it just a really good earthly life?
- Why is the reconstruction of the Temple so important? Why does God want to be worshipped at this one location, specifically?
- Does Ezekiel hint at the resurrection of the dead—or is the "Valley of Dry Bones" vision purely about Israel's political restoration?