Judaism — The valley of dry bones
October 2, 2011
Judaism – The hand of the Lord was upon me, and his Spirit took me to a valley, where the ground was covered with bones. He led me all round the valley, and I saw a vast number of bones, all of which were very dry.
He said to me: `Mortal man, can these bones come back to life?’ I replied: ‘Sovereign Lord, you alone can answer that.’ He said: ‘Prophesy to these bones; command them to listen to the word of the Lord. Tell them that I, the sovereign Lord, shall put breath into them, and bring them back to life. I will attach sinews and muscles to them, and cover them with skin. I shall put breath into them, and bring them back to life. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’
So I prophesied as the Lord had ordered me. While I was speaking, I heard a rattling sound, and the bones began to join together. As I watched, I saw sinews and muscles attaching themselves to the bones, and then skin covering them. But there was no breath in the bodies.
Then God said to me: ‘Mortal man, prophesy to the wind. Tell the wind that the sovereign Lord commands it to come from every direction, and enter these bodies, so they may come back to life.’ So I prophesied as the Lord had ordered me. Breath entered the bodies; and they came back to life, and stood up. They were like a huge army.
Judaism – Promise of new life
God said to me: `Mortal man, the people of Israel are like the bones in the valley. They say that their bones are dried up -
that all hope is gone, and that their hearts are in despair. So prophesy to the people of Israel. Tell them that I, the sovereign Lord, am going to open their graves, and raise them up; I shall bring them back to their land. When I open their graves, raise them up, and bring them back to their land, they will know that I am the Lord. I shall put breath in them, bring them back to life, and let them live in their own land.
Then they will know that I am the Lord. I have promised that I should do this – and I shall. I, the Lord, have spoken.’
Judaism – Daniel’s training
When King Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, he took some of his prisoners back to his temple in Babylon. He ordered Ashpenaz, his chief official, to select from among them some young men of royal and noble blood. They had to be andsome, intelligent, well-educated, quick to learn, and free from any physical defect; thus they would be fit to serve in the royal court. Ashpenaz was to teach them the language and literature of Babylon, and to give them food and wine from the king’s table. After three years of training they were to enter the king’s service. Among those chosen were Daniel, from the tribe of Judah, and three friends from the same tribe.
Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and sought the chief official’s permission. The chief official refused permission. So Daniel said to the man guarding them: `Test us for seven days, giving us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with the young men who are eating food from the royal table.’ The guard agreed; and at the end of ten days Daniel and his companions looked healthier and stronger than
those who had been eating the royal food. So the guard allowed them to continue eating vegetables.
God gave the four young men knowledge and skill in literature and philosophy. In addition he gave Daniel skill in interpreting visions and dreams. At the end of three years they entered the king’s service.
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Posted by Angelia Kates · Filed Under Religion
