The vision of the dry bones of Ezekiel portrays hope. In the vision, Ezekiel saw a valley full of dry bones, and God asked him if the dry bones could live again. Ezekiel replied that only God knew. God then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones, and as he did, the bones came together, and flesh and skin covered them. Finally, God breathed life into the reconstituted bodies, and they stood up, a vast army. The vision symbolizes the promise of restoration and hope for the people of Israel, who were facing exile and despair at the time.