Dear John and Doves -

I've been studying Ezekiel and have concluded that the "dry bones" prophecy in chapter 37 is a massive resurrection event.  The Lord made certain promises to the Jews which they could claim if they were faithful.  As we know, some were not faithful at all ... BUT SOME WERE!  (I'm not yelling - just excited!)  Death cannot prevent the Lord from keeping His promises, and I believe He "opens their graves" just as He promised.

Many have construed Ezek 37 as some sort of allegory for the Jews returning to their ancient homeland beginning in 1948, but this passage speaks of resurrection (37:12-13).  The Lord spoke plainly of their return in Ezekiel 36:24.  God is bringing them back today - look at what's happened in France! - and after He has His people in the land, He will "sprinkle clean water" on them, cleanse them and give them a new heart. This has not happened yet, though Messianic Jews are clearly increasing in number. Once this is completed (and perhaps many will be driven to faith by the Psalm 83 events), They will be "primed and ready" for two major prophetic events: the Magog invasion, and an "earthquake resurrection." 

I think the "rattling" in Ezekiel 37:7 is a poor translation.  It's a "quaking" - same word used of earthquakes in other places.

This maps, I believe, to Joel 2:10.  My theory is that this is the Magog alliance moving into Israel, then the Lord has his Ezekiel 37 Earthquake Resurrection (Joel 2:10, also Isaiah 13:13 and Ezekiel 38:19 - all different views of the same event) and the Lord leads His "army" (Ezekiel 37:10 and Joel 2:11) and in His wrath, destroys Magog.

Joel 2:10 also maps to Revelation 6:12 which many (myself included) believe to be the time of the rapture.  So at one moment in time, the Lord raises/translates His redeemed people and also resurrects the faithful Jews in the land.  In view of the escalating conflict in the middle east and other geo-political posturing, I expect this to begin this year, maybe Psalm 83 in April and the Magog invasion in the fall.

I'd greatly appreciate feedback or additional insights.

Very best,

Steve
http://www.anakypto.com