Haftorah
📖 Summary of Haftorah: Yechezkal 37:15-28
Yechezkel 37 – The Vision of Dry Bones and the Promise of National Restoration
- The Valley of Dry Bones (37:1–3)
Yechezkel is carried by the spirit of G‑d to a valley filled with dry bones. G‑d asks him, “Can these bones live?” Yechezkel humbly responds, “Only You know.” This question sets the stage for a powerful vision of hope and renewal.
- Prophecy to the Bones (37:4–8)
G‑d commands Yechezkel to prophesy to the bones, declaring that He will bring breath into them so they may live. He promises to add sinews, flesh, and skin. Yechezkel obeys, and the bones come together, forming skeletons covered with flesh and skin—but they still lack spirit.
- The Breath of Life (37:9–10)
G‑d instructs Yechezkel to prophesy to the spirit, calling it from the four winds to breathe into the slain. Yechezkel speaks, and the spirit enters them. They rise to their feet—a vast, living army. This symbolizes the revival of Israel from hopelessness.
- Interpretation of the Vision (37:11–14)
G‑d explains that the bones represent the entire House of Israel, who say, “Our bones are dry, our hope is lost.” G‑d promises to open their graves, bring them back to life, and return them to the Land of Israel. He will place His spirit within them, and they will live, knowing that He has spoken and fulfilled His word.
- The Two Sticks: Judah and Ephraim United (37:15–20)
G‑d commands Yechezkel to take two sticks—one for Yehudah and his companions, and one for Yosef (Ephraim) and his companions—and join them into one stick. This symbolizes the reunification of the divided kingdoms into one nation under G‑d.
- The Promise of Unity and Eternal Covenant (37:21–28)
G‑d declares that He will gather the children of Israel from all nations and bring them back to their land. They will become one nation with one king—“My servant David”—and will no longer be divided. They will abandon idolatry and live in purity, observing G‑d’s statutes. G‑d promises an everlasting covenant of peace, multiplication, and His Sanctuary dwelling among them forever. The nations will know that G‑d sanctifies Israel when His presence remains in their midst eternally.
