What does Ezekiel 48:35 reveal about God's presence in the New Jerusalem?

Setting of Ezekiel 48:35

• Ezekiel’s closing vision (chs. 40-48) lays out the restored land, temple, and city.

• Verse 35 concludes: “The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and the name of the city from that day on will be: ‘The LORD Is There.’ ” (Ezekiel 48:35)

• The city’s new name—YHWH Shammah—anchors every detail of the vision in the reality of God’s immediate, enduring presence.

---

“The LORD Is There”: The Name Explained

• Names in Scripture reveal character; this one declares that God permanently dwells among His people.

• The verb is present-tense, stressing a continuing state, not a future hope only.

• It echoes God’s covenant promise: “I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God” (Exodus 29:45).

• Unlike previous eras marked by temple departures (Ezekiel 10), this city will never witness the loss of God’s glory.

---

Connection to the New Jerusalem

• Revelation picks up Ezekiel’s language and expands it:

– “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them.” (Revelation 21:3)

– “I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (Revelation 21:22)

• The shared themes:

– A defined, perfect city (Ezekiel 48; Revelation 21:16).

– Perpetual light from God’s presence (Isaiah 60:19; Revelation 21:23).

– Removal of every curse, unhindered communion (Revelation 22:3-4).

• Ezekiel’s prophecy, therefore, foreshadows the final, literal New Jerusalem where God’s presence is the defining feature.

---

Practical Implications of God’s Indwelling Presence

• Certainty: The unchanging name assures believers that God intends to live with His people forever (Hebrews 13:5).

• Holiness: A city where “the LORD is there” calls inhabitants to purity (2 Peter 3:11-13).

• Worship: With God Himself as the city’s temple, every activity becomes worship (Revelation 22:3).

• Hope: The promise fuels perseverance in the present age, anticipating the day when faith becomes sight (2 Corinthians 5:7-8).