YHWHSample

The LORD's people were in Babylonian captivity during the time of Habakkuk's writings and Ezekiel's priesthood. The mighty Babylonians probably caused feelings of hopelessness, resulting in depression, diminished motivation, and helplessness. Yet, the LORD's presence - His hand and voice - remained constant, providing help and comfort to His people and priests.

Ezekiel 37:1 says:

”The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones" (KJV).

The hand of the LORD (YHWH) was upon Ezekiel, and he was led by the spirit of the LORD (YHWH) to a valley filled with dry bones.

These bones represented the spiritual condition of the Israelites. They were completely dry, showing no signs of life. The Lord asks His priest Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel replies, “Lord (Adonai) God, only you know” (Ezekiel 37:3, CSB). The LORD then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones so they can hear the word of the LORD (YHWH).

Imagine a Pastor preaching the word of the LORD to pews of dry, dead bones.

Ezekiel has nothing to lose, so he chooses to obey the LORD's command. Soon, the dry bones start trembling, and bone connects to bone. The muscles and flesh appear on them, and the skin covers their bodies, yet they still lack breath (Eze. 37:8). The LORD tells His priest to prophesy and breathe life into the slain, so Ezekiel faithfully does so. As a result, breath enters them, they come to life, and stand tall on their feet, forming an exceedingly great army (Eze. 37:10).

An army rose because of the spoken word of the LORD and the breath of life that comes from Him.

What an incredible story! However, it’s important to pay attention to the ending of verse 6 and the beginning of verse 13. Verse 6 finishes with: “...and ye shall know that I am the LORD (YHWH).” Verse 13 starts with: “And ye shall know that I am the LORD (YHWH)...” This suggests that the main message the LORD wants Ezekiel and His people to know is that He alone is LORD (YHWH), the self-Existent and eternal One.

May this reality be true for you. May you know Him as LORD.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You that my hope is rooted in You. Grant me the privilege of knowing You as LORD. In Jesus' name, Amen.