Definition: Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 37:11. It’s a pretty dramatic and symbolic passage about the future restoration of Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Ezekiel is describing a situation where God is preparing to restore Israel – meaning, he’s planning to bring them back to their former glory and power. He’s saying that the bones of Israel are completely dried up and lost – essentially, they've been completely destroyed. And, crucially, they’re also saying that their hope for the future is gone because they’ve been cut off or separated from the rest of the nation. Let’s unpack it further: “Then he said unto me, Son of man…” : This establishes who is speaking – Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. It's a declaration of authority. “…these bones are the whole house of Israel…” : This is the core image. The “bones” represent the entire nation of Israel – their people, their history, and their identity. “Behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost…” : This is the key point – they’re admitting that their hopes for the future have been dashed. The “dried bones” symbolize a loss of faith, promise, or potential. It suggests a period of hardship and despair. “We are cut off for our parts.” : This is the most impactful part. “Cut off” means separated, excluded, or abandoned. The nation of Israel is being left behind, without their full purpose or blessings. What's it saying about the future? Ezekiel’s prophecy suggests a period of great suffering and upheaval for Israel before they are ultimately restored to their former glory. It speaks to a time of judgment and restoration. It implies that even though things look bleak now, God is working towards a glorious future for them. In short, the verse paints a picture of a devastating loss – the destruction of Israel’s hope and identity - but with the promise of eventual redemption. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the context of biblical prophecy? Give you some possible interpretations or meanings?