You Lifeless Bones

A vision or a dream, perchance, One moment here, and then, entranced, I flew, by God’s hand, over land Through clouds to vale below. And as I made the swift descent, With bones the vale was littered, rent, Defeated army lying dead From battle long ago. And He said, “Look at these dry bones! Can these bones live, O Son of Man?” And as I scarce conceived a plan, I said, “Oh Lord, you know.” And he said, “Preach! Yes, prophesy! Speak just the truth and tell no lie. Say, ‘Listen for the word of God, For He will speak through me!’” “You lifeless bones, I will cause breath To enter you and turn back death, Then sinews joined, covered in flesh; Alive again, you’ll be!” And so I preached as I was told; A rattling began, Behold! The sinews and the flesh took hold: ‘Twas plain for all to see! They grew before my eyes and then A covering of fresh new skin; As yet, there was no breath within And they lay deathly still. Then He said, “Preach! Preach to the breath! Command the winds to roll back death.” And lo! From north, south, east, and west, Winds caused their lungs to fill! And as they breathed, they gained their feet, No longer lying in defeat. “O Son of Man, these bones you greet: The house of Israel.” Although they stood, I heard them say, “We’ve wandered off; we’ve lost our way. Our bones have dried, our hope is gone.” And so it seemed to be. The Lord said, “Preach to them, O man! Inform them of my gracious plan; I’ll send them from their graves today To land promised by me. And now go live, your exile’s through; My Spirit will abide with you, And now you’ll know that I’m the Lord; My words and deeds agree.” (from Ezekiel 37:1-14)