Ezekiel 48:38

‘All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.’ (Ezekiel 48:35)

This is the very last verse in Ezekiel, and what a fitting way to end! After describing the new city and temple to Ezekiel for several chapters, in precise and detailed measurements, God summarises everything by saying that the name of the city will be ‘YHWH Shammah’ – THE LORD IS THERE. This is a big statement, for the glory of the LORD had departed from the temple in the land at the time, because of the sins of the people. God had made many promises to Ezekiel concerning the Israelites, and in one sweeping statement, they are all summarised and fulfilled. The Glory of the LORD will fill the city, and what further promise do you need?

The challenge? Can people call you ‘YHWH Shammah’? Can people say of you ‘The LORD is there’?

Lord, help us all display your glory to the world around us. Let us all be called ‘YHWH Shammah’.