How does Ezekiel 48:35 connect with Revelation 21:3 about God's dwelling? Setting the Stage Ezekiel 48:35: “The perimeter of the city will be eighteen thousand cubits, and the name of the city from that time on will be, ‘The LORD Is There.’ ” Revelation 21:3: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.’ ” God’s Name Revealed in Ezekiel 48:35 • The city’s new name, “Yahweh-Shammah” (“The LORD Is There”), is a declaration of permanent divine residency. • The context—Ezekiel’s vision of a restored land, temple, and city—signals a literal future reality for Israel (Ezekiel 40–48). • God’s presence was the distinguishing mark of Israel (Exodus 33:14–16); the name confirms that this distinguishing presence will never depart again. The Promise Reaffirmed in Revelation 21:3 • John hears a heavenly proclamation that God will “dwell” (Greek: skēnoō, “tabernacle”) with humanity. • The setting is the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1–2), after sin, death, and sorrow are removed (21:4). • The language echoes Old Testament covenant promises (Leviticus 26:11-12; Zechariah 2:10-11) and affirms their ultimate, literal fulfillment. Threads That Tie the Two Passages Together 1. A named presence – Ezekiel: “The LORD Is There.” – Revelation: “God Himself will be with them.” Both passages center on God’s personal, name-defining nearness. 2. A covenant relationship finalized – Ezekiel anticipates restored tribes and allotments (48:1-29). – Revelation speaks of a perfected people: “They will be His people” (cf. Jeremiah 31:33). Covenant language moves from promise to everlasting reality. 3. A physical, measurable setting – Ezekiel gives exact dimensions (48:30-35). – Revelation describes a literal new Jerusalem descending from heaven (21:2, 16-17). The concrete details underscore that God’s dwelling is not abstract but tangible. 4. Continuity of God’s plan – Ezekiel’s post-exilic hope reaches forward. – Revelation’s consummation reaches back. Together, they bracket history: one vision points ahead, the other looks to completion. Living in Light of God’s Indwelling Presence • Assurance: God’s intention has always been to live among His people; He will not settle for mere visitation (John 14:23). • Identity: Knowing “The LORD Is There” shapes daily life—holiness, worship, and confidence in trials (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Hebrews 13:5-6). • Expectation: Every prophetic detail finds its yes in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20); therefore, believers look forward eagerly to the day when faith becomes sight (1 John 3:2). |
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