(Ezekiel 48:35) It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
This is the final name we will consider in our study of how that God has revealed Himself to us in Scripture.
I. The Occasion of the Name
A. The Scope of Ezekiel
1. He is called "The prophet of the captivity"
2. He was the only prophet whose prophecy was distinctively and restrictedly to captive Jews.
3. He was carried away to Babylon about 597 B.C. which was 11 years before Jerusalem was destroyed, in the second deportation of the Jews.
(Ezekiel 10:18) Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
(Ezekiel 11:23) And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.
B. The Significance of the Use
(Psalms 137:1-4) By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?
1. Ezekiel had prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple 25 years earlier.
2. Now at the close of this prophetic book, he offers this amazing promise.
3. The God who had departed from the Temple because of the abominations of His people.
4. The God who had judged the people with captivity and the destruction of the Temple.
5. Now promises that not only will the nation return…but that there will be a new and glorious temple built.
6. But the most important promise…Jehovah-Shammah … the LORD will be there.
(Ezekiel 44:4) Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.
(Ezekiel 48:35) It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
II. The Importance of the Name
A. God's Promised Presence.
1. Jehovah had promised His presence among His people from the very beginning.
(Exodus 23:20) Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
2. Although Israel was not always obedient to Him, God was always faithful to them.
(Isaiah 63:9) In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
B. His unique relationship.
1. This is what separated Jehovah from the gods of the nations around Israel.
2. Where they were often considered ruthless, cruel, and impatient.
3. Jehovah was a loving Father who longed to be with His children in a very real and intimate way.
(Ezekiel 36:28) And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
III. The Fulfillment in Jesus
A. The Shadow of Things to Come.
1. Clearly this prophecy and the use of this name is limited to the O.T. in scope and use.
2. This is a promise given to the nation of Israel concerning their return from Babylonian captivity.
3. But remember that the O.T. is Jesus concealed and the N.T. is Jesus revealed.
4. So God's presence among His people, Israel, serves to foreshadow His unique relationship with His people…the redeemed.
B. Jesus is Our Jehovah-Shammah.
1. Our relationship with God is one of faith in His Son, Jesus.
2. As a result we have His promise of continued presence.
(Matthew 28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Hebrews 13:5) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(1 Corinthians 3:16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [6]
3. This is a present promise to claim as well as a promise of eternity to come.
(John 14:2-3) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(John 17:24) Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
(Revelation 21:3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
What a wonderful way to end our study of the Names of God. To consider that He has chosen to reveal Himself to us as Jehovah-Shammah! Jehovah is there! This is what separates us from the world. We have the privilege of a personal relationship with God through faith in His Son, Jesus. Do you know Him tonight? We never have to go looking for Him…He is always there! Praise the Lord for our Jehovah-Shammah!