Modern Return Of Jews And The Ezekiel 37 Prophecy Of Dry Bones.

When it comes to prophecy it is important to distinguish between the interpretation of prophecy and the actual fulfillment of observable prophecy. This is a crucial principle in biblical hermeneutics—especially regarding passages like Ezekiel 37 (the vision of the dry bones) and Ezekiel 47 (waters flowing from the temple, bringing life even to the Dead Sea).

Let’s break this down:

Ezekiel 37: The Dry Bones – Literal or Symbolic?

• This prophecy speaks of dry bones coming to life—bone to bone, sinew to sinew, breath entering them.
• Interpretation promoted by some (e.g., Greg Locke): The modern return of Jews to the land of Israel (especially post-1948) is the fulfillment of this vision.
• Problem with this view:
• The prophecy explicitly says the bones are “the whole house of Israel” (Ezekiel 37:11), not just Judah (Jews).
• The passage includes the reunification of Judah and Ephraim—something that hasn’t happened politically, spiritually, or nationally.
• It speaks of resurrection into spiritual life, not just a geopolitical movement: “I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live” (Ezekiel 37:14, WEB).
• The return described involves obedience, cleansing, and a covenant of peace (see also Ezekiel 36 and 37:23–28)—not simply a physical regathering in unbelief.

Conclusion:

• The “dry bones” prophecy is not yet fulfilled.
• The modern return of Jews may be a precursor or foreshadow, but it cannot be equated with the resurrection of the dry bones unless the entire house of Israel—including the ten lost tribes—and spiritual rebirth are included.
• Therefore, claiming that Ezekiel 37 is fulfilled by 1948 Israel is an interpretation, not a proven prophetic fulfillment.

 Ezekiel 47: Dead Sea Waters Revived – Prophetic Fulfillment in Progress?

• This passage describes waters flowing from under the temple, turning salty water fresh and bringing fish to the Dead Sea.
• In recent years, scientists have documented pools near the Dead Sea with freshwater and fish, particularly in areas where freshwater springs have broken through.
• Example: In 2016 and later, National Geographic and other reports showed fish and vegetation in new sinkholes on the Dead Sea’s shores.
• Though not yet global or temple-originated, this phenomenon could be seen as a partial or beginning fulfillment of the Ezekiel 47 prophecy.

 Conclusion:

• This is a case where prophecy aligns with observable evidence.
• While the temple described hasn’t been built and full fulfillment awaits the Messianic Kingdom, this cannot be dismissed as merely interpretation—there’s real, measurable change happening.
• It’s a signpost.

Key Insight:

• Ezekiel 37 = Interpretation-driven, not visibly fulfilled.
• Ezekiel 47 = Evidence-supported, partially unfolding.

Do you agree:

When interpreting prophecy, we must ask:

1. Has it happened exactly as described?
2. Is it symbolic or literal?
3. Does it involve spiritual realities (Spirit, obedience, Messiah) or physical/geographic signs?
4. Is the interpretation externally confirmed or internally coherent with Scripture?

Ezekiel's dry bones require Spirit-filled revival of the whole house of Israel. The presence of fish in the Dead Sea is a measurable anomaly that matches Scripture, and thus deserves more weight as a sign of prophetic unfolding than geopolitical developments that lack the full spiritual and national scope required by the text.

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