יחזקאל, פרק ל״ז, פסוק ב׳

A vast, silent valley filled with human remains serves as the setting for a profound prophetic encounter. God leads the prophet on a comprehensive tour around these remains, ensuring he fully grasps their sheer volume and physical state [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].

The exact nature of this guided walk is a matter of discussion. Some explain that the prophet was kept strictly to the perimeter of the valley. Because he was a priest, he was not permitted to walk directly among the remains in order to avoid ritual impurity [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Others, however, argue that this experience did not take place in physical reality but was entirely a prophetic vision. In a purely spiritual vision, the laws of priestly impurity do not apply. Furthermore, earlier details indicate that he was already placed directly inside the valley, supporting the idea that this was an immersive, visionary experience rather than a restricted physical walk [רד״ק].

As the prophet surveys the scene, two distinct features stand out: the remains are incredibly numerous and completely dry. The severe dryness reveals that these are not the recently deceased, but rather the old remains of people who died a very long time ago [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Beyond their physical appearance, these details carry a deeper symbolic meaning. The overwhelming quantity points to the massive number of people destined to be brought back to life. At the same time, the extreme dryness serves as a reminder that this ultimate resurrection will not happen quickly, but will only take place after a great deal of time has passed, at the end of days [אברבנאל].