The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.” Ezekiel 48:35
Jehovah- Shammah the Lord is Present. The title comes from the last 2 Hebrew words in the prophetic book of Ezekiel when he is describing the City of God / Jerusalem. John also in his prophetic book titled Revelation also gives a description of the new City of God. Ezekiel names the new city with this title of God. The difference between these two visions of the City by these two prophets literally is the difference between the two covenants old verses new. Ezekiel sees ahead into the aspects of the new covenant, and John sees the culmination and finality of the new covenant in his heavenly city. But in both cities described by these prophets of God the Presence of the Lord (Jehovah-Shammah) is the defining aspect.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary says about this passage..
“48:1-35 Here is a description of the several portions of the land belonging to each tribe. In gospel times, behold all things are become new. Much is wrapped up in emblems and numbers. This method God has used to state mysterious truths in his word, not to be more clearly revealed till the proper time and season. But into the church of Christ, both in its state of warfare and triumph, there is free access by faith, from every side. Christ has opened the kingdom of heaven for all believers. Whoever will, may come, and take of the water of life, of the tree of life, freely. The Lord is there, in his church, to be nigh unto them in all they call upon him for. This is true of every real Christian; whatever soul has in it a living principle of grace, it may truly be said, The Lord is there. May we be found citizens of this holy city, and act agreeably to that character; and have the benefit of the Lord’s presence with us, in life, in death, and for evermore.”
When encountering this title my mind cannot escape one of God’s divine attributes which is His ability to be omnipresent, which is being everywhere simultaneously. But obviously this is a concept that will be easily recognizable and felt within this new city, whereas currently in this realm and space even though God is Present — most do not realize it or feel Him. This all encompassing Presence becomes an actuality for those who are learning how to engage with the Holy Spirit who literally resides inside them. This the ‘Lord is Present’ (Jehovah-Shammah) changes a Holy Spirit filled individual in every aspect of their spiritual life, eventually also changing them to most foundational ways of their being. To ‘pray always’ as Paul asks us to do becomes a recognition of the Spirit engaging with us at all times of our day including our sleep. Prayer is no longer a soliloquy mono statement pointed at the heavens hoping God will hear you, but an intimate conversation with a Teacher, Comforter, Friend, and Counselor. For He is Present with you.
When thinking about this aspect of His Presence I’m also reminded of the old hymn He Lives.
I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever foes may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives, he lives Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!
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His Presence changes us. How is His Presence changing you today? Do you recognize Him throughout your day?